By Emmanuel Asiamah
The largest Martian meteorite ever discovered on Earth, known as NWA 16788, is expected to sell for up to $4 million at Sotheby鈥檚 New York auction, raising excitement鈥攁nd concerns鈥攁mong scientists.
Largest Martian Meteorite on Earth Heads to Auction Block
A rare and monumental piece of Mars is set to change hands this month, as the largest known Martian meteorite ever discovered on Earth goes up for auction in New York. The space rock, known as NWA 16788, is expected to fetch as much as $4 million, according to auction house Sotheby鈥檚.
Weighing an extraordinary 24.5 kilograms, NWA 16788 stands apart from most Martian meteorites, which typically consist of small fragments. Its discovery has been hailed as a landmark moment in the study of space rocks.
NWA 16788: A Monumental Martian Find
The meteorite was unearthed in November 2023 in the remote Agadez region of Niger. Sotheby鈥檚 describes it as a “monumental specimen,” noting that it is roughly 70% larger than any other known Martian meteorite found on Earth to date.
Only about 400 Martian meteorites have ever been identified on Earth, making NWA 16788 an exceptionally rare and valuable find.
鈥淣WA 16788 is a discovery of immense significance鈥攖he largest Martian meteor ever found on Earth and the most valuable of its kind ever offered at auction,鈥 said Cassandra Hatton, vice president of science and natural history at Sotheby鈥檚.
The meteorite is scheduled to go under the hammer on July 16 at Sotheby鈥檚 New York.
Scientific Treasure or Private Collectible?
While the upcoming auction is generating excitement among collectors and space enthusiasts, it has also raised concerns within the scientific community.
Some researchers argue that such a rare and scientifically significant specimen should be preserved for public research and study rather than sold to private collectors. Meteorites like NWA 16788 hold valuable information about the composition of Mars, its geological history, and even the possibility of past life on the Red Planet.
Despite those concerns, space rocks have long commanded high prices in the private market. Previous Martian meteorites have fetched millions of dollars, though none as large鈥攐r potentially as valuable鈥攁s NWA 16788.
An Extraordinary Opportunity for Collectors
For private collectors and space enthusiasts, the auction represents a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of another world.
As interest in Mars exploration grows鈥攚ith missions like NASA鈥檚 Perseverance rover and future plans for human exploration鈥攖he allure of possessing a fragment of the Red Planet is stronger than ever.
Whether destined for a museum, a laboratory, or a private collection, NWA 16788 is poised to make headlines once again when the bidding begins later this month.