In a record-breaking auction that captured global attention, the largest piece of Mars ever discovered on Earth, known as NWA 16788, was sold for an astounding $4.3 million at Sotheby’s in New York. The sale, which took place on Wednesday, included the 54-pound (24.5 kg) meteorite measuring nearly 15 inches (38.1 cm) in length, making it the most massive Martian meteorite ever found.
According to a BBC report released today, the extraordinary rock was unearthed in November 2023 in a remote desert region of Niger. Experts say it is 70% larger than any other Martian meteorite previously recovered, making it a once-in-a-lifetime discovery for collectors and scientists alike.
Sotheby’s described the meteorite as “unbelievably rare,” highlighting that only about 400 Martian meteorites have ever been found on Earth. These extraterrestrial rocks originate from Mars and are ejected into space by asteroid impacts, eventually finding their way to Earth after a perilous journey through the solar system.
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“This is the largest piece of Mars on Earth,” said Cassandra Hatton, vice-chairman of Science and Natural History at Sotheby’s, in a video released online. “The odds of a Martian rock surviving its journey to Earth are incredibly slim, especially when you consider that 70% of our planet is covered in water. The fact that this landed on dry land and was discovered is nothing short of a miracle.”
While the identity of the buyer remains confidential, Sotheby’s confirmed that the final price, after including all applicable taxes and fees, amounted to approximately $5.3 million. The auction drew worldwide interest and featured more than 100 rare items, including a nearly complete Ceratosaurus skeleton from the late Jurassic period, which sold for $26 million, and a Pachycephalosaurus skull that fetched $1.4 million.
The historic sale of NWA 16788 has sparked renewed interest in space science and meteorite collecting, with experts calling it a landmark moment in natural history auctions. As one of the rarest Martian relics ever to reach Earth, and now one of the most expensive, it continues to fascinate astronomers, collectors, and enthusiasts around the world.
