For sale: a 54-pound rock from Mars. The asking price? Between $2 million and $4 million. So, what’s the deal with this hefty sum? It’s the biggest chunk of Mars ever found on Earth.
Sotheby’s in New York is auctioning this extraordinary item, known as NWA 16788. This auction is part of a natural history collection that also features a juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton.
The Martian meteorite was blasted off Mars by an asteroid. After traveling 140 million miles, it landed in the Sahara Desert, where a meteorite hunter discovered it in November 2023.
This rock is not just any meteorite. It’s about 70% larger than the next largest piece of Mars we have on Earth. In fact, it comprises nearly 7% of all Martian material found here. The meteorite measures about 15 inches by 11 inches by 6 inches.
Cassandra Hatton, a vice chairman at Sotheby’s, emphasizes its uniqueness: “This is the largest piece of Mars we have ever found by a long shot.” There are only about 400 known Martian meteorites among over 77,000 recognized meteorites worldwide.
To confirm its Martian origin, experts compared it to samples taken by the Viking space probes in 1976. They identified it as an “olivine-microgabbroic shergottite,” meaning it formed from Martian magma. Its glassy surface is a clue that it endured intense heat during its fall to Earth.
This meteorite was previously displayed at the Italian Space Agency in Rome, and while the current owner isn’t disclosed, its history makes it all the more special.
The Ceratosaurus skeleton, found near Laramie, Wyoming, in 1996, also has an interesting backstory. It represents a species from the late Jurassic period, about 150 million years ago. Measuring around 25 feet long, it’s an impressive find.
The skeleton was assembled from nearly 140 fossil bones and some recreated materials. It adds another layer of excitement to the auction, which is part of Sotheby’s Geek Week.
In today’s digital age, objects like this meteorite can stir significant reactions online. Many social media users are buzzing with curiosity and excitement, as auction items like these tap into our shared fascination with both space and history. Collectors and space enthusiasts alike monitor such events closely, fueling trends and discussions across platforms.
Both the meteorite and the skeleton reflect our ongoing fascination with the universe and our past. They are not just objects; they are stories of time, space, and discovery. For more on the auction and details, you can explore the Sotheby’s website.
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Meteors and meteorites, Planets, Astronomy, Oddities, Science, U.S. news, General news, Article, 123713008
