While the future destination of the meteorite remains undisclosed, the sale underscores the continued interest in space exploration and rare geological specimens.
Record-Breaking Mars Rock Fetches $4.3 Million at Sotheby's Auction
Record-Breaking Mars Rock Fetches $4.3 Million at Sotheby's Auction
A historic Martian meteorite, the largest on Earth, has been auctioned for a staggering $4.3 million, showcasing the enduring fascination with extraterrestrial materials.
In a remarkable auction event that took place in New York, a meteorite known as NWA 16788, weighing 54 pounds, was sold for an impressive $4.3 million. This reddish-brown rock, measuring nearly 15 inches in length, is the largest piece of Mars ever recovered on our planet and is 70% larger than the next biggest known Martian meteorite. Discovered in a remote area of Niger in November 2023, the meteorite's unique status has attracted significant attention; only about 400 Martian meteorites have been found on Earth to date. Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's vice-chairman of science and natural history, emphasized the rarity of this find, noting the extraordinary odds of its arrival on dry land rather than in the ocean. The total price, including extras, reached approximately $5.3 million. The auction also featured other remarkable specimens, including a Ceratosaurus skeleton selling for $26 million.
