A recent study by NASA suggests that resilient bacteria could be surviving on the Moon – Earth’s closest celestial neighbor.
This result is based on the latest analysis of the range within which certain microorganisms can survive, thereby indicating potential ecological niches for specific life forms.
According to Live Science, a research team led by planetary scientist Prabal Saxena from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center points to the possibility of microbial life existing in the harsh conditions of the Moon’s south pole.
“We are still investigating which specific organisms could thrive in such environments and which regions within these polar areas would be most suitable to support life,” revealed Dr. Saxena.
Organic geochemist Heather Graham, a member of the research team from Goddard, speculates that these organisms could be “stowaways” from Earth, colonizing and evolving on this natural satellite.
Similar to how meteorites from other planets fall to Earth, our planet also propels tiny fragments towards its companions, carrying organic molecules and potentially more complex forms of life.
Previously, there have been studies suggesting that spacecraft from Earth might even carry extremophilic microorganisms to the Moon, such as tardigrades.
If all goes according to plan, NASA’s Artemis 3 spacecraft will touch down on the Moon in 2025, offering astronauts a unique opportunity to explore the “promised land” of extraterrestrial life.