NASA finds some microbes could survive on moon, raising concerns over unintended life transfer

NASA has discovered that certain microbes might survive on the Moon’s surface under specific conditions, prompting concerns about unintentional biological contamination. A new study conducted by NASA scientists suggests that some fungi and bacteria could endure for weeks or even months in selected locations on the lunar terrain, particularly in shaded areas near the South Pole. The research, published in Science Advances, simulated environmental conditions in three key regions of the Moon’s southern hemisphere: Nobile Rim, Connecting Ridge, and de Gerlache Rim. These areas were chosen because they are believed to contain pockets of permanently shadowed craters where water ice may persist. The simulations used data collected by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, including information on radiation levels and temperature extremes. The findings suggest that some microbial life brought by astronauts could potentially thrive in these environments, raising questions about the potential for cross-contamination between Earth and the Moon. Among the microbes tested, two types of fungi, Aspergillus niger and Fusarium, showed greater resilience compared to three bacterial strains: Deinococcus radiodurans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis. Aspergillus niger, commonly found in warm, humid environments such as bathrooms and HVAC systems, demonstrated the highest survival rate. It has previously been detected inside the International Space Station and has shown the ability to survive in the vacuum of space. Fusarium, another soil-based fungus, was also found to withstand lunar conditions, although not as effectively as Aspergillus. The bacterial species varied significantly in their ability to endure the harsh lunar environment. Deinococcus radiodurans, known for its resistance to extreme conditions, performed better than the other two. However, all three struggled against intense ultraviolet radiation and high temperatures, which can reach nearly 260 degrees Fahrenheit (127 degrees Celsius) during the day. Energetic cosmic rays and the absence of atmospheric protection further challenged the microbes' survival. The models generated by the researchers identified potential “survivable niches” within the Moon’s landscape, including crater floors that span miles in width. Some of these zones, particularly those receiving limited sunlight, allowed Aspergillus to persist despite UV exposure. According to Heather Graham, a co-author of the study and an organic geochemist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the research focused solely on the survival of individual microbial cells rather than their ability to reproduce or grow. She noted that while the study did not examine the possibility of mutations leading to increased pathogenicity, there are scenarios where microbes could become dormant in protective layers of regolith or in small pools of liquid water, which might support their growth. The implications of these findings are significant for future lunar missions. The presence of viable microbes on the Moon could impact the availability of critical resources such as water ice, which is essential for sustaining long-term human presence. Researchers emphasized that the study does not address whether these microbes could evolve into harmful pathogens, but it underscores the need for careful consideration of biosecurity protocols in space exploration. Looking ahead, as international efforts continue to expand human activity on the Moon, the issue of microbial contamination becomes increasingly relevant. Future missions will likely require stringent measures to prevent the accidental introduction of terrestrial life to extraterrestrial environments, ensuring the integrity of scientific investigations and preserving the pristine nature of celestial bodies.