Unlocking Secrets from Mars: The Largest Martian Meteorite Ever Discovered Hits the Auction Block, Sparking Global Curiosity
Ever wonder what it’s like to hold a piece of Mars in your hands? Well, in 2023, a hefty lump of the Red Planet—tipping the scales at over 54 pounds—came crashing down on Earth in Niger, dazzling the globe as the largest Martian meteorite ever discovered here. Dubbed NWA 16788 (think of it as Martian VIP), this rock isn’t just space junk; it’s a rare cosmic relic among only 400 confirmed Martian meteorites found on our planet. And here’s the kicker—it’s about to be auctioned off with an eye-popping price tag that could soar all the way up to $4 million. Talk about an out-of-this-world investment! Curious to dive deeper into what makes this space rock a scientific jackpot and a collector’s dream? LEARN MORE
Weighing more than 54 pounds, this bit of space debris is one of just 400 known Martian meteorites — and it’s expected to fetch up to $4 million at auction.
Sotheby’sThe large meteorite, dubbed NWA 16788.
Every now and then, a piece of Mars comes crashing down on Earth, but in 2023, an exceptionally large Martian meteorite fell out of the sky and landed in Niger. This chunk, the largest meteorite from Mars ever found on Earth, was given the name NWA 16788 — and now it’s going to auction.
It is expected to fetch up to $4 million, according to Sotheby’s, which is selling the meteorite as part of its annual Natural History Auction on July 16.
Discovering The Largest Known Martian Meteorite
Sotheby’sThe course-grained texture of the meteorite, which is primarily composed of pyroxene, maskelynite, and olivine.
A meteorite is a piece of space debris that has survived the journey through Earth’s atmosphere and landed either on the surface or in the ocean. Amateur meteorite hunters across the globe track down these bits of rock.
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