A Rare Martian Meteorite Sells for £3.2 Million
A rare piece of rock from Mars has recently sold for an impressive £3.2 million after being discovered in the Sahara Desert. This 24.5kg meteorite is the largest known fragment of Mars on Earth, making it a truly extraordinary find. The rock traveled an astonishing 140 million miles through space following a massive asteroid impact on the Martian surface.
The meteorite, named NWA16788, was found by a meteorite hunter in November 2023. Its journey from Mars to Earth is considered incredibly rare, as only about 400 Martian meteorites have ever been identified on our planet. Cassandra Hatton, vice-chairman of science and natural history at Sotheby’s, emphasized the significance of this discovery. She noted that the odds of such a meteorite landing on dry land rather than in the ocean are astronomically small, given that roughly 70% of Earth’s surface is covered by water. This makes the discovery even more remarkable.
Sotheby’s auctioned the meteorite for £3.2 million, highlighting its unique characteristics. According to the auction catalog, NWA16788 is covered in a reddish-brown fusion crust, giving it a distinct Martian appearance. Approximately 20% of the meteorite consists of makelynite, a glassy material formed under extreme heat and pressure during the asteroid impact on Mars.
Researchers believe that only about 19 craters on Mars are large enough to have ejected material into space, which explains why Martian meteorites are so rare. The study of NWA16788 also revealed minimal terrestrial weathering, suggesting that the meteorite may have landed on Earth relatively recently. Sotheby’s described it as a “relative newcomer” to our planet, having fallen from outer space not long ago.
Despite its sale, details about the buyer remain confidential, and it is unclear where the meteorite will be housed. The auction included other notable items such as fossils, minerals, and meteorites, with a Ceratosaurus skeleton from the late Jurassic period selling for £19 million.
Key Features of NWA16788
- Weight: 24.5 kg
- Origin: Mars
- Discovery: Sahara Desert, November 2023
- Price: £3.2 million
- Composition: 20% makelynite, a glassy material formed by high heat and pressure
- Appearance: Reddish-brown fusion crust, indicating a Martian origin
The sale of NWA16788 underscores the fascination and value of extraterrestrial materials. It serves as a reminder of the vastness of space and the incredible journeys that some rocks can take. As scientists continue to study these meteorites, they gain valuable insights into the history and composition of our solar system.
While the buyer’s identity remains unknown, the meteorite’s journey from Mars to Earth and its subsequent sale highlight the intersection of science, rarity, and human curiosity. The discovery of NWA16788 is a testament to the enduring allure of space exploration and the mysteries that still lie beyond our planet.