Human-related microbes may survive moon's South Pole

NASA scientists claim that human-related microbes may survive in the shaded nooks and crannies of the moon's South Pole, as observed by an Artemis II astronaut in April 2026. The study, published in *Science Advances*, highlights the potential for contamination to interfere with the search for ancient geological or biological clues. The researchers tested five microbes, including Aspergillus niger, which showed resilience to UV radiation and could survive in areas with some sunlight exposure. The findings suggest that the moon's polar regions could serve as a natural lab for studying microbial survival in extreme conditions. The study emphasizes the need for baseline measurements of contaminants before any surface science, as contamination can affect results on Mars.

• "The Apollo program landed six pairs of astronauts on the Moon between 1969 and 1972. All six landing sites are near the lunar equator. In this visualization, the Apollo sites are contrasted with the South Pole, an area with enormous potential for future exploration."
• "Scientists tested organisms in simulations of three regions near the lunar South Pole—Nobile Rim, Connecting Ridge and De Gerlache Rim. Those simulations used detailed environmental maps built from elevation and temperature data collected by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, combined with models of how radiation strikes the surface."
• "Aspergillus niger was one of five microbes, including bacteria and fungi, selected for this study because of its known toughness in spaceflight environments. That microbes survived on the space station's exterior surprised scientists."

The study underscores the complexity of contamination in lunar environments, where the moon's polar regions offer unique conditions for microbial survival. While some microbes can remain dormant in shaded areas, there is no evidence the moon has the necessary ingredients to sustain growth and replication, such as liquid water and a suitable atmosphere. The findings highlight the importance of careful contamination control in future lunar exploration, as the moon's environment presents both challenges and opportunities for scientific investigation.

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