A remarkable scientific auction is set to feature a 54-pound (25-kilogram) rock, the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth. This Martian meteorite, known as NWA 16788, is expected to fetch between $2 million and $4 million during Sotheby’s auction on 2025-07-13 11:09:00.
- Largest Mars meteorite for auction
- Estimated price: $2 million to $4 million
- Found in Niger, November 2023
- Rare Martian meteorite, only 400 known
- Ceratosaurus skeleton also for auction
- Part of Sotheby's Geek Week 2025
This extraordinary specimen, discovered in Niger, was ejected from Mars by an asteroid impact before traveling 140 million miles to our planet. It represents nearly 7% of all Martian material currently on Earth, making it a rare find.
This auction raises intriguing questions about the origins of meteorites and their significance in understanding planetary geology. How often do we encounter such monumental space rocks? What insights can they provide about Mars’ history?
- NWA 16788 is 70% larger than the next biggest Martian meteorite.
- Only 400 Martian meteorites are recognized out of over 77,000 total finds on Earth.
- The rock’s composition was confirmed through specialized lab testing.
As we continue to explore the cosmos, each discovery like NWA 16788 fuels our curiosity and drives scientific advancements in planetary exploration.
