The NWA 16788 meteorite, weighing 54 pounds, is set to be auctioned at Sotheby's with an expected price of $2 to $4 million. It is the largest piece of Mars found on Earth, significantly larger than the previous largest piece. Formed from Martian magma, its distinct chemical composition confirms its origin, with only 400 Martian meteorites recognized globally. Discovered in Niger in 2023, it was propelled to Earth by an asteroid strike and measures nearly 15 inches by 11 inches by 6 inches, making it a rare specimen of Martian material.
Cassandra Hatton, vice chairman for science and natural history at Sotheby's, stated, 'This Martian meteorite is the largest piece of Mars we have ever found by a long shot.'
The meteorite is believed to have been blown off the surface of Mars by a massive asteroid strike before traveling 140 million miles to Earth.
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