The auction of the world's largest Martian meteorite causes controversy
 |
| Breaking news about the auction of the Martian meteorite NWA 16788 |
Meteorite NWA 16788: World Record
The 24.5 kg (54 lb) meteorite, considered the largest piece of Martian material ever discovered on Earth, is believed to have been ejected from Mars in a giant impact and flown 225 million km to Earth, landing in the Sahara Desert, Niger in November 2023.
Estimated to be worth $2–4 million, NWA 16788 eventually sold for $5.3 million, creating a stir among collectors and scientists.
Ownership and export controversy
Immediately after the auction, the Niger government launched an investigation into the legality of the meteorite’s export, suspecting it was an illegal international trade. The Niger president suspended all exports of gemstones and meteorites to ensure transparency and traceability.
Meanwhile, Sotheby’s insisted that all exports were legal and did not violate international law.
Concerns from the scientific community
Scientists have warned that the meteorite’s fall into the hands of private collectors could limit research. Some experts have suggested that NWA 16788 should be preserved in a museum or research institute for education and science.
Current developments
The case is still under investigation, with no final conclusion on its legality. The Niger government continues to demand transparency in the origin and export procedures, while the international community and the scientific community closely monitor it.
The NWA 16788 case is a typical example of how natural resources and heritage can become the subject of dispute in the current context of globalization and commercialization.
References:
AP News
Financial Times
New York Post
