Record-Breaking Martian Meteorite Auctioned for $4.3 Million

At a recent Sotheby’s auction, the largest piece of Mars, weighing 54lbs, fetched an astounding $4.3 million, highlighting the rarity of Martian meteorites and the allure of space exploration.

In an outstanding event that captivated collectors and space enthusiasts alike, an "unbelievably rare" piece of Mars became the star of a New York auction on Wednesday, selling for an incredible $4.3 million (£3.2 million). Known as NWA 16788, this extraordinary meteorite weighs 54 pounds (24.5 kilograms) and measures nearly 15 inches (38.1 centimeters) in length. Discovered in a remote region of Niger in November 2023, it is said to be 70% larger than the next biggest piece of Mars ever recovered, according to the auction house, Sotheby’s.

Meteorites represent remnants from space, left over after asteroids or comets plunge through Earth's atmosphere. Sotheby’s has called this particular meteorite a “remarkably rare object,” emphasizing that only about 400 Martian meteorites have ever been identified on Earth. Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby's vice-chairman of science and natural history, emphasized the miraculous nature of its survival to Earth’s surface, noting, "The odds of this getting from there to here are astronomically small." She also highlighted that with around 70% of the Earth's surface being covered in water, it was fortunate that the meteorite landed on land where it could be discovered.

While the future location of this meteorite remains undisclosed—due to the private nature of the sale—the final total, including additional taxes and fees, climbed to approximately $5.3 million. The auction itself featured over 100 items, among which was a Ceratosaurus skeleton from the late Jurassic period that sold for an eye-watering $26 million, alongside a Pachycephalosaurus skull that achieved a price of $1.4 million.