Sotheby's auctions largest piece of Mars ever discovered

In recent months, Sotheby's, a prestigious auction house based in New York, announced it will be auctioning a rare Martian meteorite known as NWA 16788. This extraordinary piece is distinguished as the largest ever discovered on Earth, measuring nearly 15 inches by 11 inches by 6 inches. The meteorite is believed to have been dislodged from the surface of Mars by a massive asteroid impact, traveling approximately 140 million miles before it fell into the Sahara Desert. This event marks a unique opportunity to possess a fragment of another planet, as it represents nearly 7% of all Martian material present on Earth. The auction is set to take place on Wednesday as part of a natural history-themed sale, which will also feature a juvenile Ceratosaurus dinosaur skeleton dating back to the late Jurassic period. The historical context surrounding the meteorite’s journey to Earth is significant. Scientists believe it likely fell to Earth in recent years, and testing confirmed its Martian origin by analyzing its distinct chemical composition in comparison to Martian meteorites discovered during the Viking missions in 1976. The meteorite's classification as an olivine-microgabbroic shergottite sheds light on its formation from the slow cooling of Martian magma, while its glassy surface indicates it endured the extreme conditions of Earth’s atmosphere during entry. Cassandra Hatton, vice chairman for science and natural history at Sotheby's, emphasized the rarity of this Martian meteorite. Among the more than 77,000 officially recognized meteorites found on Earth, only about 400 are confirmed to have originated from Mars. This highlights not only the unique nature of NWA 16788 but also the scientific importance of Martian meteorites in understanding the geology and history of Mars. The previous titleholder for the largest piece of Mars stood at just half the size of NWA 16788, making this upcoming auction an unprecedented occasion for collectors and scientists alike. The meteorite was previously exhibited at the Italian Space Agency in Rome, showcasing its significance in the scientific community. As the auction approaches, there is considerable excitement surrounding both the meteorite and the dinosaur skeleton, drawing attention from collectors, scientists, and the general public. The event represents a confluence of natural history, science, and the allure of extraterrestrial materials. With such a rare find going up for auction, it raises questions about the future discoveries that could unveil more about our planetary neighbors and the nature of meteorite collecting. This auction event not only offers a chance to possess a spectacular piece of Mars but also serves to spark further interest in planetary science and the ongoing exploration of Mars. In conclusion, the auction of NWA 16788 could set a new benchmark for the value of extraterrestrial materials. As collectors and scientists prepare for this auction, it reinforces the ongoing fascination with Mars and the possibilities of what more could be learned through these rare artifacts from our solar system.