Chinese Rover Discovers Evidence of Ancient Ocean on Mars

The Zhurong rover's findings suggest Mars once had a vast ocean, potentially reshaping our understanding of the planet's history.

China's Zhurong rover, part of the Tianwen-1 mission, has identified geological features that indicate a former Martian ocean in the Utopia Planitia region.
Research suggests that Mars' ocean, which existed around 3.7 billion years ago, was created by flooding and later froze before disappearing.
Key features observed include pitted cones, polygonal troughs, and sediment channels, which are consistent with ancient marine environments.
The study provides a probable scenario for the ocean's formation and disappearance but acknowledges that further evidence is needed for definitive proof.
The findings contribute to the ongoing debate about Mars' watery past and its potential to have supported microbial life.