Researchers just discovered evidence to suggest that Mars was once home to oceans and sandy beaches on the red planet, according to data published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Data obtained by the Chinese Zhurong Martian rover has revealed what look like sandy beaches on Mars's northern plains.

New findings provide evidence that Mars may have had a vast ocean around 3.5 to 4 billion years ago. During this period, the planet had a thicker atmosphere and a warmer climate, creating conditions far more hospitable than the cold and arid landscape we see today.