Meteorite NWA 16788 The Largest Fragment of Mars

Martian Fragment will be the main focus of this article, which explores the auction of meteorite NWA 16788, the largest fragment of Mars found on Earth.

This rare meteorite, which will be auctioned in New York in July 2025, is surprising not only for its weight and dimensions, but also for its impressive history.

With an estimated value of between US$$ 2 million and US$$ 4 million, NWA 16788 represents a unique opportunity for collectors and astronomy enthusiasts.

In this article, we will discuss its characteristics, comparison with other meteorites, and the fascinating journey it took from Mars to our planet.

Auction of Meteorite NWA 16788: Date, Location, and Estimated Value

Meteorite NWA 16788, one of the most significant fragments from Mars, will be auctioned in July 16, 2025, in the located city of New York, with an estimated value between US$ 2 million and US$ 4 million.

This event promises to attract the attention of space enthusiasts and collectors looking for a unique, priceless piece.

Discovered in the Sahara Desert in 2023, this meteorite represents an unparalleled rarity in the world of interplanetary collectibles.

Below, check out the main details of the event and its importance:

• The meteorite weighs approximately 24.6 kg, being 70% larger than the second largest known Martian fragment
• It represents almost 6.5% of all Martian material identified on Earth
• The meteorite's journey comprised between 220 to 362 million kilometers from Mars to Earth
• This auction highlights the scientific importance of this finding to the astronomical community
• With less than 400 recognized Martian meteorites among more than 77,000 worldwide, this is a historical and valuable piece

Physical and Visual Characteristics of NWA 16788

The meteorite NWA 16788, with dimensions of 37.5 x 27.9 x 15.2 cm and weight of 24.6 kg, stands out not only for its size, but also for its vibrant colors, which make it a unique piece and of great interest to collectors and enthusiasts.

On its surface, it is possible to see a variety of colors and textures:

• Predominant color: gray-green
• Subtle tones of earth red
• Grainy texture with shiny particles

These visual characteristics make NWA 16788 a specimen of rare beauty, amplifying its value and appeal.

Only a small percentage of meteorites found on Earth have a Martian origin, and even fewer have the chromatic richness of NWA 16788. This meteorite is not only a sample of Mars, but also a fascinating piece of natural art that captures the attention and stimulates the imagination of all who have the opportunity to see it.

Market Value and Comparison with Other Martian Fragments

Meteorite NWA 16788, discovered in the Sahara Desert, is valued at between US$$ 2 million and US$$ 4 million, a significant value due to its impressive size, which makes it 70% larger than the second largest known Martian fragment.

The comparison in terms of weight highlights its magnitude:

With these dimensions, NWA 16788 occupies a special place in the scientific and collector community, as represents almost 6.5% of all Martian material identified on Earth.

This fragment, due to its rarity and origin, captures attention at prestigious auctions such as Sotheby's in New York, becoming an object of desire for many.

For more details about this event, visit the Sotheby's website.

The uniqueness and history of its millions of kilometers journey from Mars to Earth further enhance its appeal and value in the meteorite market.

Meteorite Journey: From Mars to the Sahara Desert

Meteorite NWA 16788, discovered by an unknown meteorite hunter in the Sahara Desert, in the Agadez region of Niger, in 2023, is an imposing testimony to the fascinating interplanetary journey; this monumental fragment of Mars traveled between 220 and 362 million kilometers before coming to rest in the arid vastness of Earth; violently ejected from the Martian surface by a cosmic impact, it began its celestial journey through inaccessible space; it crossed the vacuum with an uncertain destination; upon entering Earth's orbit, it withstood the scorching heat of reentry, leaving a luminous trail in the Sahara night sky; finally found, it represents a scientific milestone, because it is not only one of the few known Martian meteorites, but also provides valuable geological information about Mars; its analysis can help to better understand the history of the red planet and thus influence future space exploration missions; the rarity and magnitude of this piece of Mars make its presence on Earth a momentous event. enormous importance for science and the general public.

Rarity of Martian Meteorites in the Global Context

In the vast universe of meteorites found on Earth, the rarity of Martian meteorites stands out impressively.

Among the more than 77 thousand meteorites recognized in the world, a significantly small proportion, of less than 400, is identified as originating from Mars.

This fact highlights the uniqueness of Martian meteorites on the global stage, highlighting their scientific value.

O Meteorite NWA 16788, with its exceptional dimensions and significant weight, is part of this select collection of rarities.

Thus, we understand the exclusivity of this fragment and the importance it represents for science, being widely studied for its origin and composition.

This rarity is a testament to the cosmic forces that shaped our solar system and the valuable knowledge we can extract from space debris.

In short, meteorite NWA 16788 is not only a rarity, but a fascinating testament to the history of our solar system.