Largest Martian Meteorite NWA 16788 Set for Auction at Sotheby’s

On July 16, 2025, Sotheby’s will auction a remarkable Martian meteorite, known scientifically as NWA 16788, during its Geek Week natural history-themed sale in New York. Weighing 54.388 pounds (24.67 kilograms), this meteorite is believed to be the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth, with an estimated auction price ranging from $2 million to $4 million.

The meteorite's journey to Earth began when it was ejected from the Martian surface by a massive asteroid impact, traveling approximately 225 million kilometers (140 million miles) before landing in the Sahara Desert. Discovered in Niger by a meteorite hunter in November 2023, NWA 16788 is approximately 70% larger than the next largest known Martian meteorite, making it an exceptionally rare find among the more than 77,000 meteorites officially recognized on Earth. According to Sotheby’s, only about 400 of these are identified as Martian meteorites, emphasizing the significance of this auction.

Cassandra Hatton, Sotheby’s Vice Chair for Science and Natural History, explained the importance of the meteorite in an interview. "A small piece of the meteorite was removed and sent to a specialized laboratory to confirm its Martian origin. The analysis compared its unique chemical composition with that of Martian meteorites collected during NASA’s Viking mission in 1976. This examination confirmed that NWA 16788 is an ‘olivine-microgabbroic shergottite,’ a type of rock formed from the slow cooling of Martian magma," Hatton stated.

The meteorite measures nearly 15 inches by 11 inches by 6 inches (375 mm by 279 mm by 152 mm) and exhibits a glassy surface, likely a result of the intense heat experienced during its atmospheric entry. Hatton remarked, "The glassy surface was a crucial indication that this was not merely a large terrestrial rock."

While the exact date of the meteorite's fall remains unclear, geological testing suggests it may have occurred within recent years. The auction, part of Sotheby’s larger Geek Week event, will feature other extraordinary items, including fossils such as a juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton, highlighting the intersection of science and natural history in the contemporary auction market.

The implications of this auction extend beyond mere monetary value, as it raises intriguing questions about ownership, the commercialization of extraterrestrial materials, and the ongoing fascination with Mars exploration. As interest in space and extraterrestrial life continues to grow, NWA 16788 serves as a tangible connection to our neighboring planet, inviting both collectors and scientists to ponder the mysteries of the cosmos.

In conclusion, the upcoming auction of NWA 16788 not only marks a significant event in the world of meteorite collection but also represents a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and investors alike to own a piece of the universe. As the event approaches, it remains to be seen who will claim this extraordinary fragment of Mars and what future implications this may have for the field of planetary science and the study of extraterrestrial geology.