Overview

• NWA 16788 was unearthed in Niger’s Agadez region in November 2023 and is the heaviest Martian fragment to reach Earth.
• The 24.67-kg specimen surpasses the second-largest Mars meteorite by 70 percent and constitutes about 6.5 percent of known extraterrestrial material on Earth.
• It exhibits minimal terrestrial weathering, distinct atmospheric entry textures, and roughly 20 percent impact-formed glass, offering unique insights into Martian geology.
• Bidding begins July 16 with an opening range of $1.6–2 million, and Sotheby’s projects a final price between $2 million and $4 million.
• The sale has reignited debate over private ownership versus public curation, with a related fragment already held at Nanjing’s Purple Mountain Observatory.