On November 29, 2023, a colossal Martian meteorite known as NWA 16788 fetched an impressive $4.3 million during a Sotheby’s auction in New York, marking a historic moment for space enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Historic Martian Meteorite Breaks Auction Records Selling for $4.3 Million
Historic Martian Meteorite Breaks Auction Records Selling for $4.3 Million
A rare Mars rock, the largest of its kind on Earth, commands high price at auction.
The recently discovered meteorite, weighing in at 54 pounds (24.5 kg) and measuring nearly 15 inches (38.1 cm) long, was unearthed in Niger just last month. Labelled as "unbelievably rare" by Sotheby's experts, it stands out as the largest Martian rock currently known on our planet, surpassing the previous record holder by a staggering 70%.
Cassandra Hatton, vice-chairman of science and natural history at Sotheby's, explained the astounding likelihood of such a meteorite reaching Earth: “The odds of this getting from there to here are astronomically small… we're incredibly lucky that this landed on dry land instead of the middle of the ocean.” Meteorites form from the leftover debris when asteroids or comets pass through Earth's atmosphere, and less than 400 confirmed Martian meteorites have ever been recovered.
The final selling price climbed to around $5.3 million considering additional taxes and fees. While details about the buyer remain confidential, the auction also featured a range of intriguing items, including a Ceratosaurus skeleton that sold for $26 million and a Pachycephalosaurus skull for $1.4 million. The sale of NWA 16788 illustrates the ongoing fascination with space exploration and the rarity of Martian materials here on Earth, underscoring the intrinsic value placed on our celestial neighbors.
Cassandra Hatton, vice-chairman of science and natural history at Sotheby's, explained the astounding likelihood of such a meteorite reaching Earth: “The odds of this getting from there to here are astronomically small… we're incredibly lucky that this landed on dry land instead of the middle of the ocean.” Meteorites form from the leftover debris when asteroids or comets pass through Earth's atmosphere, and less than 400 confirmed Martian meteorites have ever been recovered.
The final selling price climbed to around $5.3 million considering additional taxes and fees. While details about the buyer remain confidential, the auction also featured a range of intriguing items, including a Ceratosaurus skeleton that sold for $26 million and a Pachycephalosaurus skull for $1.4 million. The sale of NWA 16788 illustrates the ongoing fascination with space exploration and the rarity of Martian materials here on Earth, underscoring the intrinsic value placed on our celestial neighbors.
