A remarkable scientific auction is set to take place, featuring the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth. This 54-pound Martian meteorite, known as NWA 16788, is estimated to fetch between $2 million and $4 million at Sotheby’s on 2025-07-13 08:03:00.
- Mars meteorite NWA 16788 up for auction
- Estimated price: $2 million to $4 million
- Largest Martian piece found on Earth
- Ceratosaurus skeleton also included in auction
- Meteorite confirmed by specialized lab testing
- Auction part of Sotheby's Geek Week 2025
This extraordinary rock was blasted off the Martian surface by an asteroid and traveled 140 million miles to land in the Sahara Desert. With its unique composition, it represents nearly 7% of all Martian material currently on our planet, making it a significant find for both collectors and scientists alike.
This auction raises intriguing questions about the origins and significance of Martian meteorites. How do we confirm their extraterrestrial origins? What insights can they provide about Mars’ geological history? Consider these key points:
- NWA 16788 is 70% larger than the next biggest Martian meteorite.
- Only 400 Martian meteorites are officially recognized out of over 77,000 found on Earth.
- The rock’s unique olivine-microgabbroic shergottite composition offers clues about Martian magma.
As we continue to explore the cosmos, auctions like this remind US of the wonders beyond our planet. Who knows what other secrets lie waiting to be discovered?
