NASA study: microbes survive on moon

A United States — NASA-led study published in Science Advances used modeling simulations to assess whether certain Earth microbes could survive on the lunar surface. The researchers examined five forms of fungi and bacteria under conditions near the lunar South Pole, including Nobile Rim, Connecting Ridge, and de Gerlache Rim. They found that some microbes, particularly the fungus Aspergillus niger, could survive for weeks to months in certain areas, such as permanently shadowed craters and during autumn and winter. The study raises concerns about unintended life transfer to the moon and potential contamination of scientific samples and lunar resources like water ice. The findings are relevant to future lunar missions, including United States — NASA's Artemis program and China's plans to establish moon bases.