Rare Martian Meteorite, Largest Ever Found on Earth, Up for Auction in New York

A 25-kilogram rock, the largest piece of Mars found on Earth, is being auctioned at Sotheby’s New York for $2-4 million. The rock, known as NWA 16788, was discovered in Africa's Sahara Desert after being blown off Mars by an asteroid strike. It is 70% larger than the next largest Martian rock on Earth and represents nearly 7% of all Martian material here. The meteorite is a rare find, with only 400 Martian meteorites among over 77,000 recognized meteorites on Earth. It has been confirmed to be Martian through a study that identified it as an olivine-micro gabbroic shergottite. The rock has a glassy surface from the heat of Earth's atmosphere during its fall. The auction also includes a juvenile Ceratosaurus dinosaur skeleton from the late Jurassic period, estimated at $4-6 million.

It is uncertain if these items will sell at the listed prices, as they are unique auction items. The buyers will acquire exceptional pieces of history.