Largest piece of Mars meteorite sells for $4.3 million at auction

In New York on July 16, 2025, a significant meteorite known as NWA 16788, weighing 54 pounds, was auctioned by Sotheby’s. This meteorite was ejected from Mars due to an asteroid strike, traveling 140 million miles before landing in the Sahara Desert in recent years. It was discovered in November 2023 and has been recognized as the largest piece of Mars found on Earth, substantially larger than the previous record holder. NWA 16788 showcases a reddish-brown fusion crust formed from intense heating during its descent through the atmosphere, highlighting its extraterrestrial origin. The auction bidding started at $1.6 million and concluded with a final bid of $4.3 million. Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s vice chairman for science and natural history, emphasized the meteorite's extraordinary significance and rarity, noting that only around 400 Martian meteorites are found among over 77,000 recognized meteorites on Earth. NWA 16788 represents roughly 7% of all Martian material on our planet, making it a major find in the context of planetary science and the collection of extraterrestrial materials. There was also concern raised about the implications of such valuable scientific items being sold to private collectors rather than preserved in museums for public education and study. Experts in the field have pointed out that while collecting meteorites can drive scientific interest and research, it can also lead to significant discoveries being hidden from public view. The sale of NWA 16788 underlines both the intrigue and challenges surrounding the intersection of science and the art of auctioning rare objects. With a bid as high as this, the meteorite not only captures the fascination of collectors but also highlights the value placed on items that connect us to our celestial neighbors and expand our understanding of the universe.