Earth Microbes Could Survive on Moon | Science News

New research reveals that common Earth microbes—like bacteria and fungi found on spacecraft—could survive in the moon’s permanently shadowed south pole, where extreme cold and possible water ice create a harsh but livable niche. This poses a real contamination risk for NASA’s Artemis missions, which aim to establish a lunar base by 2036, potentially interfering with scientific studies like soil analysis for future food production. While these aren’t the toughest microbes known, their prevalence on spacecraft makes them a realistic concern. The discovery also opens exciting new doors for studying life in extreme environments, turning the moon into a natural lab for microbiology. As humans prepare to return to the moon, they’ll need to consider these tiny stowaways—and how our presence might reshape—or be reshaped by—the lunar landscape. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/414ae815edf21792