Uncovering Enigmatic Martian Polygons: China's Mars Lander Makes Historic Discovery

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Source: Universe Today
Uncovering Enigmatic Martian Polygons: China's Mars Lander Makes Historic Discovery
Photo: Universe Today
TL;DR

China's Zhurong rover, equipped with a ground-penetrating radar system, has detected irregular polygonal wedges buried beneath the surface of Mars at a depth of about 35 meters. These features, 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 discovery suggests a wide distribution of similar terrain under Utopia Planitia and indicates a significant climatic transformation on Mars. The rover, which successfully operated for over a year, has been in hibernation since May 2022.

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