A remarkable meteorite, the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth, recently fetched a staggering $4.3 million at a Sotheby’s auction in New York. This meteorite, called NWA 16788, weighs 54 pounds — that’s about 24.5 kilograms! Most Martian meteorites are tiny fragments, making this find especially noteworthy.
NWA 16788 was discovered in November 2023 in Niger’s Agadez region. It’s about 70% larger than the next biggest Martian meteorite, adding to its rarity. In total, only around 400 Martian meteorites have been discovered on Earth, emphasizing just how special this piece is.
Cassandra Hatton from Sotheby’s described NWA 16788 as a “once-in-a-generation find.” It represents a tangible link to Mars, a planet that has fascinated humanity for ages. The meteorite’s unique red color and its size set it apart in both scientific and cultural contexts.
Experts believe that this meteorite was blasted from the Martian surface by an asteroid impact. That event was so powerful that it turned parts of the meteorite into glass. Its surface even has a glossy crust, a result of its fiery reentry through Earth’s atmosphere.
While many celebrate the auction, some worry about the meteorite’s future. Steve Brusatte, a paleontology professor at the University of Edinburgh, expressed concern that it might end up in a private collection, away from public eyes. He believes such artifacts belong in museums where everyone can appreciate and learn from them.
Conversely, Julia Cartwright, a planetary scientist from the University of Leicester, argues that the market for meteorites fuels scientific discoveries. Without collectors, many meteorites might never be found, and our knowledge of space would diminish. She also reassured that a reference sample from NWA 16788 has been preserved at the Purple Mountain Observatory in China, ensuring that scientific research can continue.
In February 2021, another Martian meteorite sold for $200,000 at Christie’s—well over its expected price of $30,000 to $50,000. This demonstrates how interest in Martian meteorites continues to grow, making them valuable both scientifically and financially.
As space exploration advances, the intrigue around these celestial treasures only deepens. The story of NWA 16788 reminds us of our ongoing quest to understand the cosmos. Even though we don’t know where this meteorite will end up, its scientific importance remains undeniable.
For further reading on meteorites and space science, you can explore NASA’s Meteorite Information page here.
