Human-related microbes may survive moon's South Pole
NASA scientists are investigating the potential for human-carried microbes to survive in the shaded regions of the Moon's South Pole. The study aims to establish a baseline for biological contamination to ensure future missions to Mars remain scientifically accurate.
Why it matters
Understanding microbial survival in space is essential for planetary protection and the integrity of future searches for extraterrestrial life.
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Add as preferred source This image was taken by an Artemis II astronaut from the Orion capsule in April 2026, as the spacecraft traveled past the Moon and back over 10 days. The gray-brown, heavily cratered Moon dominates the frame against black space, with a partially lit crescent Earth setting behind its upper-left edge. Credit: NASA Some of Earth's microbes likely to hitch a ride to space with human explorers could survive in the shaded nooks and crannies of the moon's South Pole region, NASA scientists say.
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