A rare and massive meteorite from Mars, known as NWA 16788, is poised to make headlines as it heads to auction with an estimated price of up to $4 million. Weighing 54 pounds (24.5 kilograms), it is the largest known piece of the Red Planet ever discovered on Earth, making it 70% larger than any previously found Martian meteorite. First unearthed in Niger’s remote Agadez region in November 2023, this extraordinary specimen is not only scientifically significant but also visually striking, with a glassy crust and deep red hues that reflect its Martian origin.
Martian Rock: A once-in-a-generation discovery
According to Sotheby’s, the auction house hosting the sale on July 16 in New York, NWA 16788 is among just 400 confirmed Martian meteorites ever found. Its immense size and exceptional condition set it apart from the usual small fragments that survive Earth’s atmosphere. Cassandra Hatton, Vice Chairman of Science and Natural History at Sotheby’s, described it as “a discovery of extraordinary significance… a tangible connection to the Red Planet.” The meteorite likely arrived on Earth after a powerful asteroid impact blasted it from Mars millions of years ago.
Scientific insights encased in glass
Analysis reveals that parts of NWA 16788 were turned to glass during its ejection from Mars and again during its fiery descent through Earth’s atmosphere. Planetary scientist Julia Cartwright of the University of Leicester called it a “fabulous rock,” noting that a reference sample is secured at China’s Purple Mountain Observatory, ensuring future scientific study. She emphasized the balance between private collecting and academic access: “Without the market, we wouldn’t have nearly as many samples to study.”
Public or private? Experts weigh in
While some scientists, like Professor Steve Brusatte of the University of Edinburgh, express concern that the rock might vanish into a private vault, others recognize the role collectors play. “It would be a shame if it disappeared from public view,” said Brusatte. Cartwright, however, remains optimistic, suggesting the new owner could still collaborate with researchers. The meteorite’s fate may remain unknown after the auction, but its legacy in planetary science is already secured.
