We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Science

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Is the Moon Hospitable to Plant Life?

Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 1,249
Share

There's no life on the Moon, but one day there might be. Earlier this year, in what was described as a seminal achievement, scientists grew Arabidopsis thaliana (thale cress) plants in lunar soil samples brought back during the Apollo missions.

After waiting 15 years for permission from NASA to utilize the lunar regolith (soil) samples, researchers at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences claimed success, with some caveats. While the work was the first time plants have sprouted in soil from somewhere besides Earth, it wasn't easy for them. They were smaller, grew more slowly, had stunted roots, and many showed signs of stress when compared to plants grown in Earth soils.

"At the genetic level, the plants were pulling out the tools typically used to cope with stressors, such as salt and metals or oxidative stress, so we can infer that the plants perceive the lunar soil environment as stressful," said study co-author Anna-Lisa Paul.

Still, the achievement offers promise for life-sustaining plant life, should colonies one day be attempted on the Moon. "For future, longer space missions, we may use the Moon as a hub or launching pad," said study co-author Rob Ferl.

The surface of the Moon:

  • Water exists in the form of ice trapped inside dust and minerals on the dark side of the Moon.

  • Apollo 11 astronauts were the first to collect lunar soil samples, in 1969.

  • The Moon's soil is quite different from Earth's as it was created mostly by micrometeorites striking the surface for 4.5 billion years.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon1006849 — On May 28, 2022

Isn't the planet earth good enough to grow food and live on? Why are we ruining it? And looking elsewhere? Are we going to continue destroying other planets as well?

Share
https://direct.wisegeek.com/is-the-moon-hospitable-to-plant-life.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.