Martian meteorite fetches astonishingly high price in auction
The sale of the largest ever meteorite from Mars, named "NWA 16788," made headlines in 2025, marking a significant event in space exploration history. Weighing almost 25 kilograms, this precious piece of Martian history was auctioned for over 4 million euros by Sotheby's in New York.
Discovered in 2023 near Agadez in Niger, NWA 16788 is considered the biggest piece of Mars on Earth. Meteorites from Mars are extremely rare and unique, having been thrown into space by meteoroid impacts.
Mars, the fourth planet from the sun, is of particular interest due to its similarities with Earth. Scientists continue to learn more about this red planet, which is one of the most explored planets in our solar system. Mars is considered a potential home for future human colonization, and companies like SpaceX are working towards establishing a self-sufficient city on Mars.
Meteorites from Mars are valuable due to their rarity and unique origin. So far, around 400 meteorites have been discovered that originated from Mars, making up less than 1% of the over 50,000 meteorites discovered on Earth. Most of these come from asteroids, but a small percentage originate from the moon and Mars.
The possibility of life on Mars, even in the past, is a topic of ongoing research and speculation. Mars could hold an exciting secret within its ice that suggests life might have once existed on its surface. The study of meteorites from Mars is crucial as they provide insights about the planet, potentially shedding light on the question of life on Mars.
Despite the unknown parts of Mars, its value as a potential home for future human colonization and its role in our understanding of the universe make it a planet that continues to captivate our imaginations. The sale of NWA 16788 serves as a testament to the enduring fascination with Mars and the rare treasures it sends our way.
Around 48.5 tons of meteoritic material fall to Earth daily, with 95% burning up in the atmosphere. Occasionally, Mars sends pieces of its surface to Earth, offering us glimpses into the mysteries of the red planet. The sale of NWA 16788 is a reminder of the incredible value of these rare and unique pieces of Martian history.
There are grim predictions about the end of the world, leading to increased interest in setting up off-world colonies. The establishment of a city on Mars is a goal that involves significant scientific and technological advancements. As we continue to explore and learn more about Mars, the dream of setting foot on its surface becomes more attainable, and the value of meteorites like NWA 16788 takes on a new significance.
