Martian Meteorite of Colossal Size Going up for Bid, Potentially Valued at $2-$4 Million
Meteorite enthusiasts and collectors alike are eagerly anticipating the auction of a unique Martian specimen, NWA 16788, at Sotheby's Natural History sale in New York on July 16. This extraordinary meteorite, weighing a substantial 24.5 kilograms (54 pounds), is the largest piece of Mars ever discovered on Earth and is expected to sell for an estimated $2-4 million.
Discovered in Niger's Agadez region in 2023, NWA 16788 has captivated the scientific community and the public due to its historical and scientific significance. The meteorite, which boasts a distinctive rust hue, showcases a fusion crust on its surface, indicating a challenging descent into Earth's atmosphere.
One of the key factors driving the meteorite's high estimated value is its rarity. Out of all known meteorites, only 1% are known to have originated from Mars, and NWA 16788 accounts for 6.5% of all Martian material on Earth. With only about 400 Martian meteorites known to exist on our planet, any Martian sample is extraordinarily scarce and valuable to collectors and scientists alike.
Cassandra Hatton, Vice Chairman of Sotheby's Science & Natural History, described NWA 16788 as a "once-in-a-generation find." The meteorite has already been exhibited publicly in Italy at the Italian Space Agency in Rome and at a private gallery in Arezzo, Tuscany, before making its way to Sotheby's New York.
The auctioned meteorite is classified as a shergottite, a type of Martian igneous rock, which adds to its scientific significance and provenance. It was officially approved as Martian in June 2024, further cementing its value as a unique and authentic Martian specimen.
The prestige of the auction venue also plays a significant role in driving up the final price. Being auctioned at Sotheby's New York, a renowned auction house, enhances its visibility to high-profile buyers, which can drive up the final price through competitive bidding.
In addition to its monetary value, NWA 16788 provides a tangible connection to Mars, our celestial neighbour. Experts emphasise the importance of showcasing such specimens for public and scientific benefit, reflecting its cultural and research value.
Between July 8 and 15, NWA 16788 can be seen at Sotheby's New York before it goes to auction. Whether you're a meteorite collector, a space enthusiast, or simply someone intrigued by the mysteries of the universe, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
- The scientific community and the public are captivated by NWA 16788's historical and scientific significance in space-and-astronomy.
- The rarity of NWA 16788 as a Martian meteorite elevates its worth in both science and finance.
- As a shergottite, NWA 16788, classified as a Martian igneous rock, has scientific significance and provenance.
- The auction of NWA 16788 at Sotheby's New York, a prestigious venue in the entertainment industry, can drive up the final price through its visibility to high-profile buyers.
