Zhurong Rover

• Recently,China’s Zhurong rover has uncovered evidence of an ancient Martian ocean, Deuteronilus, that existed 3.5 to 4 billion years ago.
• Findings : Ground-penetrating radar detected sandy deposits at depths of 10–35 meters, resembling Earth’s coastal formations.
• Mission Insights
• Operated from May 2021 to May 2022, covering 1.9 km in Utopia Planitia.
• Used ground-penetrating radar to scan up to 80 meters deep below the Martian surface.
• Detected layered structures at depths of 10 to 35 meters, resembling terrestrial beaches.
• Significance of the Discovery
• The findings strengthen the ocean hypothesis, suggesting Mars had a long-standing body of water shaped by waves and tides.
• Suggests Mars had a warmer climate and thicker atmosphere, potentially supporting life.

Opens avenues for future missions to explore these formations for biosignatures