China’s Zhurong rover used ground-penetrating radar to find signs of beaches beneath Mars’ surface, adding evidence to the idea the planet hosted an ancient ocean.

Mars may have once had a vast, ice-free ocean, according to new evidence from China’s Zhurong rover. Using ground-penetrating radar, the rover revealed sloping, sand-like deposits underground that strongly resemble beach formations on Earth.

China's Mars rover discovered evidence of an ancient Red Planet beach. Here's why scientists are excited about this.

Data obtained by the Chinese Zhurong Martian rover has revealed what look like sandy beaches on Mars's northern plains.

Scientists have discovered that Mars once had beaches. While the past presence of water on the Red Planet is no longer in doubt, experts have now found layers of rock beneath Mars' surface, suggesting the likely existence of an ancient ocean.