Discover the Enormous Mars Rock on Earth Now Valued at $4 Million!

The largest Martian meteorite ever discovered on Earth is about to hit the auction block, with a starting bid around $4 million. This remarkable rock, named NWA-16788, weighs a staggering 24.67 kilograms (54.39 pounds). That’s roughly 70% bigger than the previous record-holder found in Mali two years ago.

In November 2023, a meteorite hunter stumbled upon NWA-16788 in Niger’s Agadez region, known more for its dinosaur fossils. The Shanghai Astronomy Museum confirmed its Martian origins after analyzing a small sample. Remarkably, this meteorite shows minimal weathering, suggesting it has not been on Earth for long.

Experts believe NWA-16788 was expelled from Mars during a violent asteroid impact. Its composition reveals a significant amount of a rare glass called maskelynite and evidence of shock-melting. This meteorite’s unique properties stem from the slow cooling of Martian magma, made up mostly of pyroxene, maskelynite, and olivine.

Interestingly, there’s a debate about whether such a significant specimen should be sold. Paleontologist Steve Brusatte from the University of Edinburgh expressed concern that it could end up in private hands, saying, “It belongs in a museum for everyone to learn from.” In contrast, planetary scientist Julia Cartwright from the University of Leicester believes the new owner could still contribute to science and research.

Historically, meteorite auctions have attracted both collectors and scientists, leading to questions about ownership and access. A 2021 study showed that about 80% of meteorites end up in private collections, which limits public engagement with these scientific treasures.

As we look forward to the Sotheby’s auction starting on July 16, many will be watching closely—not just for the price tag, but for its potential impact on science and education.

For more insights on meteorites and their significance, check out NASA’s Planetary Science page.

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