Sotheby's auctioned the largest Martian meteorite to ever reach Earth, NWA 16788, for $4.3 million. Discovered in Niger, this rare 24.5 kg specimen is significantly larger than any previously recovered Martian rock, highlighting its immense value and rarity in the field of space exploration.
Historic Martian Meteorite Sells for $4.3 Million at Sotheby's Auction
Historic Martian Meteorite Sells for $4.3 Million at Sotheby's Auction
The largest Mars rock ever found on Earth, weighing 54 pounds, fetched $4.3 million at a recent auction, marking a significant event in space exploration history.
An extraordinary piece of history from Mars has just made headlines as the largest Martian meteorite ever discovered on Earth was auctioned for a staggering $4.3 million (£3.2 million) at Sotheby’s in New York this Wednesday. This remarkable specimen, known as NWA 16788, weighs an impressive 54 pounds (24.5 kg) and stretches nearly 15 inches (38.1 cm) in length. The meteorite was unearthed in a secluded area of Niger back in November 2023, and according to Sotheby’s, it is 70% larger than the next largest Martian meteorite known.
Sotheby’s emphasized the rarity of this auction item, dubbing it "unbelievably rare". Only about 400 meteorites from Mars have ever been found on our planet. "This is the largest piece of Mars on planet Earth. The odds of this getting from there to here are astronomically small," said Cassandra Hatton, vice-chairman of science and natural history at Sotheby’s, in a video statement released online. She pointed out the stunning probability that it landed on dry land, rather than the vast oceans that cover 70% of Earth's surface.
Details regarding the final destination of the Meteorite following the auction remain undisclosed, as the seller's identity will be kept confidential. Including additional fees and taxes, the total amount paid for the Martian rock climbed to approximately $5.3 million. The auction was part of a larger event featuring over 100 items, where other remarkable artifacts included a Ceratosaurus skeleton, which sold for a jaw-dropping $26 million, and the skull of a Pachycephalosaurus, fetching $1.4 million. This event marks a notable moment in the ongoing fascination with space exploration, particularly among collectors and science enthusiasts alike.
