India, Feb. 25 -- Scientists have uncovered compelling evidence suggesting Mars once hosted an ancient ocean. Data from China's Zhurong rover, published in the 'Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)', reveals beach deposits buried beneath the Martian surface, strengthening the hypothesis that water once played a major role in shaping the Red Planet.

Since NASA's Mariner 9 orbiter captured images of water-sculpted landscapes on Mars in the 1970s, scientists have debated the extent and duration of Martian water. Recent research confirms that water existed on Mars as far back as 4.5 billion years ago, with ice still present beneath the surface today. However, the burning question remains: Did Mars once have vast oceans?

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