Get ready, space enthusiasts! The largest chunk of Mars ever discovered on Earth—a massive 54-pound (25-kilogram) meteorite—is hitting the auction block at Sotheby's in New York this Wednesday, with a jaw-dropping estimated price of $2 million to $4 million.

Known as NWA 16788, this extraordinary meteorite not only stands out for its size—about 70% larger than any previous Martian find—but it also holds a staggering origin story. Millions of years ago, it was blasted off Mars during a colossal asteroid impact and traveled 140 million miles (225 million kilometers) before crashing into the Sahara Desert, where it was discovered by a meteorite hunter in Niger in November 2023.

Measuring nearly 15 inches long, 11 inches wide, and 6 inches thick, this Martian treasure accounts for almost 7% of all Martian material found on our planet, according to Sotheby's. Cassandra Hatton, vice chairman for science and natural history at the auction house, states, "This Martian meteorite is the largest piece of Mars we have ever found by a long shot," adding that it dwarfs what was thought to be the previous record holder.

The meteorite's rarity is astounding—only about 400 Martian meteorites are recognized out of over 77,000 meteorites globally. A small sample was scientifically analyzed and verified as Martian, using the known chemical fingerprint from the Viking space probes that explored the red planet in the 1970s. The analysis revealed it to be an olivine-microgabbroic shergottite, a unique rock type formed from the slow cooling of Martian magma.

With a striking glassy surface caused by the intense heat of its entry through Earth's atmosphere, this isn't just an ordinary rock—it's a cosmic relic. Previously showcased at the Italian Space Agency in Rome, the meteorite's owner remains a mystery.

But the excitement doesn’t stop there! The auction features another jaw-dropping item: a juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton, estimated between $4 million and $6 million. Discovered in Wyoming in 1996, this nearly 150-million-year-old dinosaur was meticulously reconstructed with about 140 fossil bones and is set to captivate collectors.

Sotheby's Geek Week 2025 will host this remarkable auction, featuring 122 items, including various meteorites, fossils, and stunning gem-quality minerals. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of galactic history!