Once Upon a Time, Oceans Were Waving on Mars!
Scientists have unveiled exciting new evidence about Mars’ past. Data from China’s Zhurong rover indicates that the Red Planet may have once hosted oceans and beaches.
Uncovering a great mystery hidden beneath the dry and barren surface of Mars, researchers suggest that the Red Planet may have harbored shorelines and oceans in the past.
Previously, river valleys and sedimentary rocks had been found on Mars, but the existence of oceans had remained debatable. According to a report compiled by The Guardian from a publication in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, underground imaging data from Zhurong in the southern Utopia Planitia region suggests the presence of shorelines on Mars. Dr. Benjamin Cardenas from Penn State University stated, “Zhurong was sent to an area where paleoshorelines were mapped with satellite data. The acquired data bears a great resemblance to radar measurements made in shore areas on Earth.”
CHANGES IN MARS’ SHORELINES OVER TIME
Researchers note that data from the low northern terrains of Mars are inclined towards the water direction, indicating the presence of an ancient ocean. Moreover, the structure identified by Zhurong suggests that shorelines changed position over time.
Dr. Cardenas expressed, “The data reveals that the shoreline moved at least 1.3 km northward. This implies that tides, waves, and rivers were once active in the area.”
COULD THERE HAVE BEEN LIFE ON MARS IN THE PAST?
Researchers emphasize that these inclined structures were not formed by volcanic activities, wind-blown dunes, or river currents. The structures identified could be one of the strongest pieces of evidence indicating the presence of oceans on Mars in the past. Dr. Cardenas suggested that this discovery strengthens the possibility of past life on Mars, stating, “We know life first emerged in shallow waters on Earth. A new exploration mission should be sent to this region to search for traces of life on Mars.” However, these shorelines on Mars were quite different from tropical beaches on Earth. While lacking palm trees or seagulls, scientists are eagerly reconstructing these ancient scenes. Cardenas emphasized, “It’s truly worth dreaming about!” highlighting that discoveries about Mars’ past will continue.
