Chinese Rover Discovers Mars' Dramatic Climate Change 400,000 Years Ago

China's Zhurong Mars rover has discovered evidence of a significant climate shift on Mars 400,000 years ago. The rover's investigation of sand dunes in Utopia Planitia revealed dark ridges called transverse aeolian ridges (TARs) formed on top of the dunes at a different angle than the wind-blown dunes. This discovery suggests a change in wind direction in the lower mid-latitudes coinciding with Mars' last major ice age. The ice age was caused by changes in Mars' rotational axis, resulting in climatic shifts. The findings provide insights into Mars' ancient climate and landscape evolution.