Zhurong Unveils Mars' Hidden Shoreline

China’s Zhurong rover, part of the Tianwen-1 mission, has unearthed tantalizing evidence of an ancient Martian ocean in Utopia Planitia. Landing in May 2021, Zhurong exceeded its one-year mission, revealing geological signs like sedimentary rocks and etched flows dating back 3.68 billion years. While skeptics like Dr. Benjamin Cardenas caution about wind-altered surfaces, the potential for past microbial life keeps excitement high. Eyes are now on the upcoming Tianwen 3 sample return mission set for 2028, aiming to make waves by 2031.