How much would you pay for a rock from Mars? This intriguing question is at the forefront as Sotheby’s prepares to auction the largest piece of Martian meteorite ever found on Earth. Estimated to fetch between $2 million and $4 million, this extraordinary find is captivating collectors and scientists alike.
- Mars rock auctioned by Sotheby’s
- Estimated value between $2 million and $4 million
- Largest piece of Mars found on Earth
- Meteorite traveled 140 million miles
- Found in Niger by a meteorite hunter
- Represents nearly 7% of known Martian material
Discovered in Niger by a meteorite hunter in November 2023, this impressive chunk measures nearly 15 by 11 by 6 inches. It represents about 7% of all known Martian material on our planet, having traveled 140 million miles after being blasted off Mars by a massive asteroid strike.
This auction raises an interesting question: what drives the value of extraterrestrial rocks? Collectors are not just buying a piece of space; they are investing in scientific history and exploration. Consider these points:
- This meteorite is 70% larger than the next biggest piece found on Earth.
- It provides insights into Mars’ geological history and the solar system’s evolution.
- Such auctions can fund further space exploration and research.
As we look to the future, the auction of this Martian rock could inspire further research into planetary materials and the mysteries of our solar system. Will it spark a new era of space exploration?
