科學家研究微生物在月球陰影中的生存能力
Scientists Study Microbial Survival in Lunar Shadows
Updated at: August 26, 2026 at 04:45 AM
一項近期發表在《科學前沿》期刊上的研究指出，月球可能並不如我們過去想像的那樣毫無生機。
A recent study published in Science Advances suggests that the Moon may not be as sterile as we once thought.
科學家發現，常見的地球微生物，例如細菌和真菌，有可能在月球南極的陰影區域生存。
Scientists have discovered that common Earth microbes, such as bacteria and fungi, could potentially survive in the shaded regions of the Moon’s south pole.
與嚴酷且陽光曝曬的赤道區域不同，月球極區擁有深層的隕石坑與山脊，能提供遮蔽以抵禦致命的紫外線輻射與極端溫度。
Unlike the harsh, sun-drenched equator, the lunar poles feature deep craters and ridges that provide protection from lethal ultraviolet radiation and extreme temperatures.
在這些陰影地帶，微生物能進入「隱生」狀態，這是一種休眠的暫停生命形式。
In these shaded zones, microbes can enter a state of 'cryptobiosis,' a form of suspended animation where they remain dormant.
這項利用美國太空總署月球勘測軌道飛行器數據的研究，凸顯了如黑麴黴等物種的韌性。
This research, utilizing data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, highlights the resilience of species like the fungus Aspergillus niger.
這項發現對未來的太空探索帶來了重大挑戰，特別是關於像「阿提米絲」任務期間可能發生的「前向污染」。
This discovery poses significant challenges for future space exploration, particularly regarding 'forward contamination' during missions like Artemis.
如果地球微生物隨太空人一同前往，它們可能會干擾科學界尋找原生生命或研究原始月球化學的努力。
If Earth-borne microbes travel with astronauts, they could interfere with scientific efforts to search for indigenous life or study pristine lunar chemistry.
然而，這些陰影也提供了一個獨特的天然實驗室，用以測試生命在極端環境下的極限，幫助專家為未來前往火星的旅程做準備。
However, these shadows also offer a unique natural laboratory to test the limits of life under extreme conditions, helping experts prepare for future journeys to Mars.
建立微生物存在的基準測量，對於確保我們太陽系探索的完整性而言，現在比以往任何時候都更加關鍵。
Establishing baseline measurements of microbial presence is now more critical than ever to ensure the integrity of our solar system exploration.
