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2d ago

Largest Known Martian Meteorite Draws $1.6M in New York Preview

Set to be auctioned for an estimated $2–4 million, the 54-pound fragment is raising concerns among researchers that private ownership could limit scientific study.

A Martian meteorite, weighing 54.388 lbs. (24.67 kg), said to be the largest piece of Mars on Earth, estimated at $2 - 4 million, is displayed at Sotheby's, in New York, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, part of their Geek Week auction, July 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
A Martian meteorite, weighing 54.388 lbs. (24.67 kg), said to be the largest piece of Mars on Earth, estimated at $2 - 4 million, is displayed at Sotheby's, in New York, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, part of their Geek Week auction, July 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
A mounted Juvenile Ceratosaurus skeleton, of the Late Jurassic, Kimmeridgian Stage, approximately 154-149 million years ago, estimated at $4 - 6 million, is displayed at Sotheby's, in New York, Wednesday, July 9, 2025, part of their Geek Week auction, July 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
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Overview

  • Bids topped $1.6 million during Sotheby’s New York exhibit ahead of the July 16 auction.
  • Discovered in Niger’s Sahara in November 2023, the meteorite is the largest Martian fragment on Earth at 54 pounds.
  • Specialized lab analysis identified it as an olivine-microgabbroic shergottite matching NASA Viking probe chemical signatures.
  • The specimen accounts for nearly 7% of all Martian material on Earth and is about 70% larger than the next biggest slice.
  • Scientists warn that sale to private collectors may restrict future research access and public museum display.