In brief
In an unprecedented sale, the largest Martian meteorite ever discovered on Earth, known as NWA 16788, was auctioned for $4.3 million at Sotheby's in New York, marking a significant event for both collectors and space enthusiasts alike.
In a remarkable auction event held in New York, an "unbelievably rare" Martian meteorite, NWA 16788, became the center of attention, fetching an impressive $4.3 million. At a weight of 54 pounds (24.5 kg) and measuring nearly 15 inches long, this meteorite was unearthed from a remote location in Niger in November 2023. According to Sotheby's, this rare find is a staggering 70% larger than the second-largest known piece of Mars ever recovered. Sotheby's has acclaimed the meteorite as "unbelievably rare," emphasizing that only approximately 400 Martian meteorites have been discovered on Earth to date. Cassandra Hatton, the vice-chairman of science and natural history at the auction house, highlighted the significance of this discovery, noting the astronomical odds against such a piece landing on solid ground instead of the ocean, which covers around 70% of the planet's surface. The final sale price, reaching about $5.3 million after additional taxes and fees, signifies the rising interest and value in extraterrestrial collectibles. The fate of the meteorite post-sale remains under wraps, with details about the buyer and future plans kept private. The Wednesday auction, showcasing over 100 unique items, also witnessed the sale of a Ceratosaurus skeleton for $26 million and a Pachycephalosaurus skull for $1.4 million, reflecting the extraordinary blend of natural history and space exploration captured in these auctions.
