The Most Magnificent Martian Meteorite Ever Found!

Prepare for a historic auction! A colossal 54-pound chunk of Mars, believed to be the largest Martian meteorite ever discovered on Earth, is set to make waves at Sotheby’s New York on July 16. With an eye-popping estimated price of $2 million to $4 million, collectors and enthusiasts alike are gearing up for a bidding frenzy.

Meet NWA 16788: A Celestial Wonder

This remarkable piece, known as NWA 16788, was unearthed in November 2023 in the Agadez region of Niger. Astonishingly, it comprises an incredible 6.5 percent of all the known Martian material found on our planet. To put its size into perspective, it's a staggering 70 percent larger than the next biggest Martian meteorite that has ever been retrieved.

A Once-in-a-Generation Discovery!

Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s vice chairman of science and natural history, hailed NWA 16788 as a discovery of extraordinary significance, labeling it a onve-in-a-generation find. This meteorite not only embodies the mysteries of our celestial neighbor but also symbolizes humanity's enduring fascination with Mars.

From Mars to Earth: A Fiery Journey

Blasted from Mars by a violent asteroid impact, this meteorite has made an epic journey to Earth, showing visible signs of its perilous descent, including areas of glassy fusion crust. These features are a testament to the extreme conditions it endured while hurtling through the atmosphere. Smithsonian Magazine reveals that parts of the meteorite have possibly transformed into maskelynite, a rare type of glass forged under tremendous heat and pressure.

The Rarity: Scarcer Than Diamonds!

Sotheby’s emphasizes that meteorites, particularly Martian ones, are far rarer than diamonds. With only around 400 Martian meteorites ever identified—most being mere fragments—this auction presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors. In North America, only about 15 meteorite discoveries occur each year, making NWA 16788 an extraordinary find.

View This Cosmic Gem Before the Auction!

Sneak a peek at this extraordinary piece of space history! The meteorite will be on display at Sotheby’s from July 8-15, just ahead of the live auction on July 16. Don’t miss your chance to witness this breathtaking link to the cosmos.