Mars may not be your next vacation spot, but a new discovery suggests it once had sandy shores, rolling waves, and a vast ocean – perfect for a cosmic beach getaway.
Using data from China’s Zhurong rover, scientists have uncovered evidence of an ancient ocean hidden beneath the planet’s surface. Ground-penetrating radar revealed rock layers strikingly similar to Earth’s coastal formations, supporting the theory that Mars was once home to a vast northern ocean.
The Zhurong rover, which landed in Utopia Planitia in 2021, was equipped with advanced radar capable of peering beneath the surface. Unlike other rovers, it scanned both high- and low-frequency layers, uncovering hidden foreshore deposits – sedimentary formations created by waves and tides pushing sand into the water.
When compared with Earth’s coastal deposits, the similarities were undeniable. The slope and structure of the formations aligned perfectly with beaches back home, offering the clearest evidence yet that Mars was once much wetter and more habitable.
The study suggests that Mars’ warm and wet era lasted millions of years, potentially providing conditions for life. As co-author Benjamin Cardenas put it: “We found evidence for wind, waves, and plenty of sand—a proper, vacation-style beach.”
While no Martian resorts are opening soon, this discovery brings us one step closer to understanding Mars’ mysterious past.
