Our celestial neighbor Mars has been keeping a secret for billions of years. Thanks to the relentless efforts of scientists and advanced technology, we now have more evidence to support the long-discussed theory of an ancient, vast ocean on Mars. A Chinese rover has provided evidence pointing to the possibility of a vast ocean covering nearly a third of the Red Planet that existed billions of years ago.

Chinese rover made a major discovery

In 2021, China took an impressive step in space research. The rover Zhurong landed in the northern hemisphere of Mars, the Utopia region. Signs of the presence of water have previously been seen in this region since ancient times, and now it is time for a more comprehensive investigation. The rover is exploring Mars’ intriguing red zone, and its latest discoveries are truly astonishing.

According to the study, the rover’s landing site was dotted with “pitted cones, polygonal troughs, and incised streams,” signs that indicate the presence of an ocean in the past. It is suggested that mud volcanoes form these crater-like pitted cones. They can mostly be seen in places where there is water or ice.

An ancient ocean on Mars

The research was led by Bo Wu, a scientist from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. According to findings, the Martian ocean may have formed as a result of a large-scale flood approximately 3.7 billion years ago. Over time, the ocean froze to form the coastline and disappeared about 3.4 billion years ago. However, Bo Wu remained open-minded about these findings. He noted that the team does not claim that their findings conclusively prove that there is an ocean on Mars. Martian rocks may require more detailed study to resolve the debate.

Benjamin Cardenas, a scientist at Pennsylvania State University, expressed skepticism about the new study. He believes the studies do not take into account the influence of the Martian wind, which could significantly change the planet’s topography over billions of years. Despite his skepticism, Cárdenas does not completely reject the ocean theory. “I think there is an ocean on Mars,” he said.

Consequences of an ocean on Mars

The discovery of a potential ancient ocean on Mars has profound implications for the ever-evolving search for extraterrestrial life. Liquid water is considered one of the fundamental prerequisites for life, and the existence of a huge ocean greatly increases the likelihood that primitive life forms could once inhabit the Red Planet.

Understanding the duration and conditions of this ocean could provide vital clues as to whether Mars has the right environment to support microbial life. Although no direct evidence of the existence of life has been found, this latest discovery strengthens the case for ongoing research and studies. Missions focused on collecting and analyzing soil and rock samples from Mars are particularly needed.

An important area for future research

Looking ahead, the findings encourage a renewed focus on Mars as an important location for future exploration. Space agencies such as NASA, ESA and CNSA are currently planning ambitious missions to further explore the secrets the Martian surface holds.

One of the main goals is to obtain more convincing evidence about past oceans and other potential water sources that could further support the possibility of life. New technologies, such as more advanced rovers and possibly even crewed missions, are designed to unlock the mysteries of Mars and bring us one step closer to answering one of humanity’s deepest questions: Are we alone in the universe? As these missions progress, the Red Planet continues to fascinate scientists and enthusiasts alike, offering an unwavering promise of discovery and wonder.

Was there life on Mars?

The potential discovery of an ancient ocean on Mars raises an exciting possibility: Could there be life on Mars?

“Most scientists believe that life on Earth began either under the ocean, where hot gases and minerals from the subsurface fell to the seafloor, or in small tide pools very near the water-air interface,” Cárdenas said. he said. “So the presence of the ocean makes the planet more hospitable.”

Was there life on our neighbor Mars billions of years ago? The answer to this question may lie beneath the intriguing red surface of the Martian soil. The study was published in the journal Scientific Reports.