Mars is famous as the Red Planet, but we're used to its dusty image. Now, thanks to China's first Mars rover, Zhurong, we've got fresh clues about its wetter past! 🔴💧
In May 2021, Zhurong landed in southern Utopia Planitia and roamed nearly 2 km, collecting data with its quad-polarized ground-penetrating radar—think of a CT scan for Mars.
Scientists from the Institute of Geology and Geophysics under the Chinese Academy of Sciences published their findings in National Science Review. They found a uniform 4 m-thick sediment layer underground, burying ancient craters. Volcanic or wind processes were ruled out, pointing to an ancient shallow sea or large lake.
This pushes Mars's aqueous history to around 750 million years later than we thought. Sustained water activity during the middle-late Amazonian Period could reshape our ideas about Martian climate evolution and habitability.
From cool tech that maps underground layers to fresh questions about life on our neighbor planet, Zhurong's discovery shows space exploration is entering a thrilling new chapter. Who knows what else is hiding beneath the surface? 🚀
Reference(s):
China's Mars rover discovers longer water existence on red planet
cgtn.com
