A rare and monumental Martian meteorite known as Northwest Africa 16788 (NWA 16788) sold for $5.3 million at Sotheby’s New York during the “Geek Week” auction, setting a new world record for extraterrestrial rocks sold at auction .
🌍 What Makes NWA 16788 Extraordinary
- Largest Martian Meteorite Found on Earth
Weighing approximately 24.67 kg (54 lb), it is around 70 percent larger than the previous record-holder and constitutes roughly 6–7 percent of all known Martian meteorites on Earth . - Discovery and Origin
Unearthed in November 2023 by a meteorite hunter in the Agadez region of Niger’s Sahara, its Martian origin was confirmed through chemical analysis comparing it to data from Mars missions . The rock is classified as an olivine-microgabbroic shergottite, typically formed from cooled volcanic magma . - Journey to Earth
Scientists estimate the meteorite was ejected from Mars by an asteroid impact millions of years ago. It traveled approximately 225 million kilometers (140 million miles) before landing on Earth, surviving the atmospheric entry to reach the Sahara .
💸 Auction Highlights
- Hammer to Final Pricing
The meteorite fetched a hammer price of $4.3 million. When auction fees and taxes were included, the total sale reached $5.296 million . - Scientific and Collector Value
While only around 400 Martian meteorites are documented among roughly 77,000 known meteorites, this specimen stood out due to its size, rarity, and pristine condition . - Concerns from the Scientific Community
Experts warn that auctioning such rare specimens to private buyers could hinder scientific research. However, auction organizers note that buyers often loan or donate these items for study .
🔭 Implications for Research & Market
This sale shines a spotlight on the commercial and scientific value of space-rocks. Meteorites like NWA 16788 are among the only direct samples from Mars available for Earth-based research, especially after missions like NASA’s Mars Sample Return were delayed.
The auction of NWA 16788 marks a pivotal moment at the crossroads of science, private collecting, and planetary exploration. As inquiries continue about access to such specimens, this meteorite reminds us that even in private hands, these celestial treasures connect humanity to the cosmos.
