Rare Mars Meteorite Set for Auction

A significant Mars meteorite is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s on July 16th, potentially fetching over $4 million.

The specific meteorite, known as NWA 16788, was found in the Agadez region of Niger in 2023. It’s currently available in an online auction, with bids having reached $1.6 million just a week prior.

This meteorite weighs about 54 pounds and measures 15 inches long, making it one of the largest known Martian specimens on Earth. According to the auction house, such discoveries from other planets are extraordinarily rare, and NWA 16788 is particularly fascinating as it was likely ejected from Mars due to significant asteroid impacts.

Interestingly, some of these meteoric fragments traveled an impressive 140 million miles, ultimately landing in the Sahara Desert.

As it stands, there are only around 400 recognized Mars rocks on our planet, representing less than 1% of all identified space rocks on Earth.

Compared to previously found specimens, the rocks being auctioned are in exceptional condition. Sotheby’s noted that NWA 16788 shows very little weathering, indicating it’s relatively unchanged since arriving on Earth.

However, this has led to an ongoing debate among scientists; many argue that such a valuable specimen should be housed in a museum for research rather than auctioned off to the highest bidder.

One expert voiced concern, suggesting, “If it disappears into the hands of a private collector, that’s unfortunate. It really belongs in a museum where the public can appreciate and study it.”

People who end up purchasing the meteorite could potentially choose to donate it to a museum or scientific institution of their choice.

Sotheby’s has a history of auctioning various items, from ancient fossils to modern art, but hasn’t delved deeply into the realm of space memorabilia until now. Back in 2019, they featured an array of Apollo 11 collectibles to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing.