Mars Lander Uncovers Buried Giant Polygonal Structures

1 min read
Source: ScienceAlert
Mars Lander Uncovers Buried Giant Polygonal Structures
Photo: ScienceAlert
TL;DR Summary

China's Zhurong rover, equipped with a ground-penetrating radar system, has detected irregular polygonal structures buried beneath Mars's surface at a depth of about 35 meters. These structures, measuring from centimeters to tens of meters across, are believed to have formed billions of years ago due to freeze-thaw cycles or volcanic activity. The findings provide important insights into Mars's geological history and suggest a notable transformation in the planet's climate. Zhurong, which landed on Mars in May 2021, successfully operated for over a year before entering hibernation. The rover's ground-penetrating radar complements orbital radar explorations and provides critical local details of shallow structures and composition.

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