Record-Setting Mars Meteorite NWA-16788 Expected to Fetch $4 Million

On July 16, 2025, Sotheby's will auction the largest known Martian rock ever discovered on Earth, a meteorite named NWA-16788, which is expected to attract bids up to $4 million. Weighing 24.67 kilograms (54.39 pounds), this specimen is approximately 70 percent larger than the previous record-holder, the Taoudenni 002 meteorite found in Mali in 2021, which weighed 14.51 kg. The meteorite was uncovered by a meteorite hunter in November 2023 in the Agadez region of Niger, an area more frequently recognized for its dinosaur fossils than for meteorites.

The Shanghai Astronomy Museum confirmed the rock's Martian origin after analyzing a small sample. Sotheby's listing describes the meteorite as exhibiting minimal terrestrial weathering, suggesting that its composition has remained largely unaltered since its arrival on Earth. According to the auction house, NWA-16788 likely fell to Earth relatively recently, preserving its essential characteristics from Mars.

The meteorite is notable for its high content of maskelynite, a glassy mineral formed under extreme conditions, which points to its violent origin—a significant asteroid impact on Mars. It is primarily composed of pyroxene, maskelynite, and olivine, showcasing a coarse-grained texture indicative of slow cooling of Martian magma.

While the auction raises considerable excitement, it has also sparked a debate among scientists regarding the ethical implications of selling such a rare specimen. Dr. Steve Brusatte, a paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh, expressed concern about the meteorite potentially being sequestered by a private collector, stating, "It would be a shame if it disappeared into the vault of an oligarch. It belongs in a museum, where it can be studied and appreciated by the public."

However, Dr. Julia Cartwright, a planetary scientist at the University of Leicester, offered a different perspective, suggesting that the new owner might still contribute to scientific research. "The scientific interest will remain, and the new owner may be very interested in learning from it, so we may still gather lots of science from this," she noted.

The auction, set for July 16 at 14:00 UTC, represents not only a financial opportunity but also a pivotal moment in the intersection between scientific heritage and private ownership. As the auction date approaches, it remains to be seen whether this extraordinary piece of interplanetary history will be preserved for public benefit or claimed by a private entity.

In a broader context, the auction of NWA-16788 raises questions about the commercialization of extraterrestrial materials, a topic of increasing relevance as humanity's exploration of space continues to expand. The implications for future research, public education, and ethical considerations surrounding the ownership of celestial bodies are subjects that warrant ongoing discussion among scientists, ethicists, and the general public alike.