A polygonal structure has been recently found beneath the Martian surface by China’s Zhurong rover, providing new information about Mars’ geological makeup. The finding was made in Utopia Planitia, one of the biggest impact basins on Mars, where scientists believe the structures were created through freeze-thaw cycles thousands of years ago.
Using advanced imaging technology, the Zhurong rover discovered 16 buried polygonal structures beneath the surface, approximately 35 meters below ground level. Scientists were able to study these formations horizontally, covering over 1.9 kilometers for the first time. Previous evidence had hinted at floods occurring in Utopia Planitia around 3 billion years ago, and these polygonal structures were likely formed due to sediment and thermal processes.
However, unlike some terrestrial polygonal structures, like Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway, these Martian formations were not created by lava. This provides further evidence that Mars might have had a more varied early atmosphere, possibly with a higher axial tilt (obliquity). Evidence suggests that Mars’ obliquity may have been substantially different in the past, potentially creating extreme seasonal variations.
Further analysis of the findings reinforces the idea that Mars’ early climate was significantly different and allows scientists to better understand the Red Planet’s history. These advances in our understanding of Mars would not have been possible without technological innovations since the Viking 2 explorer’s visit to the red planet in 1976.