Microbes from Earth may survive on the moon, scientists find
Scientists have discovered that microbes from Earth might be able to survive on the moon's surface by sheltering in permanently shadowed regions. The study suggests that lunar hills and valleys could provide enough protection from solar heat and radiation for microorganisms to exist in a state of suspended animation.
Why it matters
This finding has significant implications for planetary protection protocols and the search for life, as it suggests human exploration could inadvertently contaminate the lunar environment.
Solar System The moon Microbes from Earth may survive on the moon, scientists find News By Charles Q. Choi Published 20 August 2026 "Even a bootprint or a rover's tread may create a habitable area."
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Click for next article A visualization of the moon's south pole region created with data from NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, which has been surveying the moon with seven instruments since 2009. (Image credit: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio/Ernie Wright) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Microbes from Earth might survive the harsh surface of the moon, albeit in a state of suspended animation, a new study finds.
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