Don’t Miss Your Chance: The Largest Mars Meteorite Ever Discovered Hits the Auction Block in New York!

In New York, a remarkable auction is set to feature a 54-pound rock with a staggering estimated price of $2 million to $4 million. What makes it so special? It’s the largest piece of Mars ever discovered on Earth.

The auction will take place at Sotheby’s as part of a natural history event, which also includes a dinosaur skeleton. This meteorite, known as NWA 16788, was blasted from Mars by a massive asteroid before traveling 140 million miles to Earth, landing in the Sahara Desert. A meteorite hunter found it in Niger in November 2023.

This meteorite is not just large; it’s about 70% bigger than the previous largest Martian find. It accounts for nearly 7% of all Martian material currently recognized on Earth, measuring around 15 inches by 11 inches by 6 inches.

Cassandra Hatton, vice chairman for science and natural history at Sotheby’s, emphasized its uniqueness. “This Martian meteorite is the largest piece of Mars we have ever found by a long shot,” she remarked. Only about 400 Martian meteorites exist among over 77,000 recognized meteorites on Earth.

To confirm its origin, a small sample was sent to a lab, where scientists found it matched the unique chemical composition of Martian meteorites from the Viking space probe missions of the 1970s. This type of rock, classified as “olivine-microgabbroic shergottite,” formed from slow-cooling Martian magma and features both pyroxene and olivine minerals. Its glassy surface, created by intense heat during its atmospheric entry, further indicated its extraterrestrial origin.

The meteorite was previously displayed at the Italian Space Agency in Rome and likely fell to Earth in recent years, although the exact date isn’t known.

Alongside the meteorite, the auction will also feature a juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton. Discovered in Wyoming in 1996, this skeleton is reconstructed from nearly 140 fossil bones. Estimated to be from the Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago, it’s expected to fetch between $4 million and $6 million. Ceratosaurus, known for its bipedal stance and small arms, can reach lengths of up to 25 feet, making it a fascinating addition to the event.

As we look at such extraordinary finds, it’s worth noting that interest in outer space and paleontology is growing. According to recent surveys, 70% of Americans express a keen interest in exploring Mars, and social media trends show people passionately discussing space discoveries. Events like these auctions blend science with art and history, offering everyone a glimpse into our universe and its wonders.

This auction is part of Sotheby’s Geek Week 2025, showcasing 122 unique items, including other meteorites, fossils, and mineral treasures.

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Martian meteorite, meteorite hunter, Earth, surface of Mars