Microbes may survive at the Moon’s south pole
Manned missions to the lunar polar regions must limit the unintended transfer of Earth life forms, say scientists The post Microbes may survive at the Moon’s south pole appeared first on Physics World .
New research suggests that the harsh surface conditions of the Moon, such as high ultraviolet radiation and extreme temperatures, may not be as inhospitable to microbes as previously believed. This finding comes from a study by researchers from NASA and the University of Maryland, who modeled the behavior of bacteria and fungi commonly found on human skin in various locations on the Moon's polar regions.
The lunar poles, with their unique features such as rugged terrain, deep craters, and long permanent shadows, present an environment that could potentially allow certain microorganisms to survive for up to or beyond seven days. While the simulations did not indicate that the microorganisms would grow in these conditions, their ability to persist in a dormant state could still pose a risk of contamination for future manned missions.
The study highlights the importance of understanding the Moon's environmental conditions for the proper planning of future lunar missions and for mitigating the risk of introducing Earth-based microbes to other celestial bodies.
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