Have We Contaminated the Moon?

The video discusses the presence of microbes on Earth and their potential to be transported to the moon. It highlights the Apollo 12 mission, where astronauts retrieved a camera from Surveyor 3, which was found to contain bacteria. However, contamination issues during the analysis raised doubts about the bacteria's survival on the moon. The video also explores the survival capabilities of microbes and tardigrades in extreme environments, concluding that any microbes left on the moon are likely dead. The episode ends with a call to action for viewers to support SciShow on Patreon.

What did the Apollo 12 astronauts find when they brought back the camera from Surveyor 3?

• Signs of water

• A new type of rock

• A small colony of bacteria

• A colony of plants

What was one of the potential reasons for the contamination of the camera from Surveyor 3?

• The camera was stored in a breathable nylon bag

• The camera was exposed to moon dust

• The camera was washed with unsterile water

• The camera was left outside for too long

How have modern lab practices changed since the Apollo 12 mission?

• Scientists now use more advanced cameras

• Scientists wear more protective clothing

• Scientists avoid using nylon bags

• Scientists no longer study lunar samples

Which organisms can survive in space for at least 10 days?

• Bacteria

• Fungi

• Viruses

• Tardigrades

What conditions on the moon make it difficult for microbes to survive?

• Lack of oxygen

• Extreme temperatures and UV radiation

• High atmospheric pressure

• Abundance of water