Astronomers in Ukraine documented more than 20 unidentified objects near the moon in 2025, while a separate study published online Aug. 19 in Science Advances reveals that Earth-dwelling microbes could potentially survive in shadowed lunar polar regions.
Telescopic Sightings and Atmospheric Anomalies Near the Lunar Surface
Researchers working at Ukraine’s Main Astronomical Observatory recorded disc-shaped phenomena in the vicinity of the moon across several months in 2025. Operating a high-speed camera mounted to a telescope in Vinarivka near Kyiv, the team captured images at a rate of 20 frames per second. This equipment allowed investigators to track objects moving at speeds imperceptible to the unaided human eye.
The scientific team classified the phenomena into two distinct categories. The first group consisted of atmospheric
variants that appeared stationary while moving in synchrony with the moon’s rotation, suggesting they functioned as installations secured directly to the lunar surface. The second group comprised continental
objects that traversed the lunar terrain. The research team stated in their findings that the objects had been detected in near-Earth space. We believe that the moon serves as a base for UFOs,
as noted in reporting from the Daily Star cited by AOL.
Observations conducted during two distinct windows on Sept. 7, 2025, at 7:05 p.m. and 7:27 p.m. An earlier sighting involving ring-shaped objects took place on Aug. 16, 2025, at 2:52 a.m. ET. The researchers applied specialized filtering technology to distinguish the pulsing luminosity patterns of these objects from atmospheric interference and telescope-tracking errors.
Daytime Ring-Shaped Anomalies and Calculated Velocity
Further investigation revealed anomalies during daylight hours. On Aug. 16, 2025, researchers identified massive ring-shaped objects in the daytime sky that became visible only after the footage was amplified using false color imaging.
The formations measured approximately 22 miles in diameter and produced no visible light, absorbing virtually all radiation striking their surfaces. According to the data collected, these ring-shaped objects completed a full revolution every three minutes while traveling at a speed of 6.8 miles per second. Based on these dimensions and rotational velocities, the researchers determined that the objects must generate centrifugal force exceeding twice Earth’s gravitational pull, leading them to theorize that the formations produce artificial gravity.
The study notes that the observed phenomena have not yet undergone formal peer review. While the researchers suggest the objects could indicate a technologically advanced civilisation
, external scientists emphasize that no concrete scientific evidence currently confirms intelligent extraterrestrial life or official artificial lunar structures.
Microbial Survivability in Permanently Shadowed Lunar Regions
While Ukrainian astronomers tracked aerial anomalies, a separate research effort focused on biological resilience. A study published Aug. 19 in the journal Science Advances demonstrates that microbes from Earth might survive the harsh surface of the moon in a state of suspended animation known as cryptobiosis.
Prior research from 2019 identified solar ultraviolet rays and surface heat as major barriers to microbial life on the moon. However, the newer analysis incorporated lunar mapping data and accounted for shelter provided by hills, valleys, and permanently shadowed regions at the lunar poles where sunlight never reaches. The authors analyzed three types of bacteria and two types of fungi commonly found on crewed space missions, noting that these organisms resist vacuum, cold, and high-energy particles.
The findings carry operational implications for upcoming exploration. NASA’s Artemis III mission is planned to send the first humans to explore the lunar south pole.
Future Lunar Exploration and Planetary Protection Protocols
Beyond contemporary human spaceflight contamination risks, researchers suggest an alternative vector for terrestrial microbes. Ancient cosmic impacts might have blasted rocks bearing microorganisms off Earth and deposited them on the moon. Saxena noted that the moon could act as a planetary freezer preserving evidence of Earth’s past.
Future experiments are planned to test the survivability limits of various microorganisms under simulated lunar conditions, helping space agencies refine planetary protection protocols ahead of crewed surface landings.
