Record-Breaking Mars Meteorite Sells for $5.3 Million at New York Auction – A Rare Opportunity for Space Enthusiasts!

On July 9, 2025, a stunning piece of Mars made headlines when it sold for over $5 million at a New York auction. The meteorite, named NWA 16788, weighs 54 pounds and was found in the Sahara Desert by a meteorite hunter in November 2023. Experts believe it was launched from Mars by an asteroid impact and traveled about 140 million miles to reach Earth.

Sotheby’s had estimated the rock would sell for between $2 and $4 million, but the final bid climbed to $4.3 million, bringing the total to roughly $5.3 million after fees. The buyer’s identity is still under wraps.

What makes this meteorite special? It’s around 70% larger than the next biggest piece ever found, making up nearly 7% of all Martian material on Earth. Only about 400 Martian meteorites are recognized out of more than 77,000 meteorites found globally, according to Sotheby’s.

Cassandra Hatton, a vice chairman at Sotheby’s, emphasized its significance, stating it’s “the largest piece of Mars we have ever found by a long shot.” This rock is an “olivine-microgabbroic shergottite,” a type of magma rock. The unique characteristics were confirmed by comparing it with samples collected during the Viking mission to Mars in 1976.

Additionally, a portion of the meteorite was tested in specialized labs to verify its origin. This scientific approach ensures the authenticity of such a remarkable piece of our solar system.

While this space rock commanded attention, another auction item—a juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton—sold for an astounding $30.5 million. Bidding for the dinosaur started at $6 million. This creature lived during the late Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago, and was assembled from nearly 140 fossil bones found near Laramie, Wyoming.

The auction was part of Sotheby’s Geek Week, which showcased a variety of rare items, including other meteorites and fossils.

In a world where scientific discoveries and ancient history come together, these auction outcomes remind us of the fascination with our universe and its distant past. As we uncover more about space and our planet’s history, interest in unique artifacts, like the Martian meteorite or dinosaur skeleton, continues to soar.

For more detailed insights into meteorites, you can explore resources from NASA here.

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