Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

China's Zhurong Rover Reveals Mars Was Once Oceanic

2/27/2025

50 5

Summary

Story summary

China's Zhurong rover has unveiled a stunning revelation: Mars was once home to a vast ocean, known as Deuteronilus, around 3.5 to 4 billion years ago. Ground-penetrating radar has uncovered ancient sandy beaches beneath the surface, painting a picture of a vibrant world with waves and rivers, igniting hopes of discovering past life akin to that on early Earth.

1 of 1

Story summary

China's Zhurong rover has unveiled a stunning revelation: Mars was once home to a vast ocean, known as Deuteronilus, around 3.5 to 4 billion years ago. Ground-penetrating radar has uncovered ancient sandy beaches beneath the surface, painting a picture of a vibrant world with waves and rivers, igniting hopes of discovering past life akin to that on early Earth.