Largest Martian Meteorite Ever Found Heads to Auction at Sotheby’s

A 24.5-kilogram Martian meteorite, the largest ever discovered on Earth, is set to be auctioned at Sotheby’s New York on July 16, with estimates suggesting it could fetch up to $4 million. The space rock, named NWA 16788, was found in Agadez, Niger in November 2023, and has since captivated scientists and collectors alike.

Born from Mars, Shaped by Space

According to experts, NWA 16788 was launched from the surface of Mars millions of years ago following a powerful asteroid impact. During its interplanetary journey, the meteorite endured extreme heat and pressure, forming a glassy crust—a rare geological record of its cosmic voyage. The glossy exterior still bears visible scars from this violent ejection and atmospheric entry.

“This is the kind of specimen you see once in a generation,” said Cassandra Hatton, VP of Sotheby’s Science and Natural History Division.
“Its crimson hue, massive size, and weathered texture make it one of the rarest physical links we have to Mars.”

Meteorite Sparks Debate: Science or Private Showcase?

NWA 16788’s sale has ignited a debate between scientific preservation and private collecting.
Prof. Steve Brusatte, a paleontologist from the University of Edinburgh, insists the rock belongs in a public museum:

“This should not be locked away in a billionaire’s vault. It’s part of humanity’s shared heritage.”

But Dr. Julia Cartwright, a planetary scientist at the University of Leicester, argues that private collections often advance science:

“Without collectors, many of these rare meteorites would never be found. Scientific access can still be negotiated.”

Cartwright points out that a reference sample of NWA 16788 is already housed at China’s Purple Mountain Observatory, ensuring that scientific research can continue, regardless of who buys the stone.

A Record-Breaking Rarity

Sotheby’s notes that NWA 16788 is roughly 70% larger than the second-largest known Martian meteorite. Of the approximately 400 Martian meteorites ever found on Earth, few match its size, integrity, or market appeal.

Previous auctions have shown how demand for space rocks is skyrocketing. In 2021, a smaller meteorite containing traces of the Martian atmosphere sold for $200,000—far above its estimated value. Experts believe NWA 16788 is likely to shatter that record.

A Celestial Relic from the Red Planet

While humans haven’t yet set foot on Mars, NWA 16788 offers a tangible, cosmic connection to the Red Planet. As a relic of the solar system’s violent past, it offers critical insights into planetary geology, atmospheric dynamics, and even solar system formation.

Whether it lands in a lab or a luxury collection, this rare object carries within it a memory etched in stardust.