Sotheby's set to auction largest Martian meteorite for millions

In July 2023, Sotheby's in New York City held an auction featuring a rare Martian meteorite, known as NWA 16788, which is recognized as the largest piece of Mars discovered on Earth. Weighing over 54 pounds, this meteorite represents approximately 6.5% of all known Martian material on the planet. The auction was part of a broader natural history-themed sale, alongside other significant items, including a dinosaur skeleton. The meteorite was found in the Agadez Region of Niger and was believed to have traveled 140 million miles from Mars to Earth after being dislodged by an asteroid impact. The rarity of Martian meteorites is underscored by the fact that only 400 out of more than 77,000 recognized meteorites in total are from Mars, making this specific piece a unique scientific treasure. Sotheby’s celebrated this auction as a significant event that would not only attract bidders but also contribute to our understanding of the red planet. The meteorite was on display at Sotheby's galleries prior to the auction, providing the public with a rare opportunity to view this remarkable piece of space history, which had spent millions of years traversing the universe before landing on Earth. It is significant in both scientific and monetary terms, with estimates valuing it between $2 million to $4 million based on its size and provenance. Potential bidders were excited about the opportunity to own a piece of the cosmos, further reflecting the ongoing fascination with Mars and space exploration. Following the auction, there would likely be more discussions regarding the implications of owning extraterrestrial materials, as well as the ongoing research enabled by such meteorites. The auction brought to light not just the financial aspects but also the scientific value embedded in these cosmic fragments.