NASA finds Earth microbes could survive on the Moon

NASA scientists found that microbes brought by astronauts could survive in cold, shadowed niches around the Moon’s South Pole, potentially complicating future searches for pristine lunar chemistry. Some refuges may be no larger than a footprint, while one hardy fungus could even withstand limited exposure to sunlight. NASA finds Earth microbes could survive on the Moon.

Share: Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIN Email FULL STORY Earth sets at 6:41 p.m. EDT, April 6, 2026, over the Moon’s curved limb in this photo captured by the Artemis II crew during their journey around the far side of the Moon. Credit: NASA NASA scientists say some microbes carried into space by human explorers may be able to survive in sheltered, shadowed areas near the Moon’s South Pole.

19, 2026, in Science Advances, underscore the importance of understanding how long Earth microbes can persist in extreme lunar environments. As people establish a more permanent presence on the Moon, contamination from astronauts could make it harder for scientists to separate ancient lunar chemistry from material introduced by humans. Researchers say the same issue will matter when missions eventually search for signs of life on Mars.