Rare Martian Meteorite Sells for Record-Breaking $5.3 Million
Introduction
A meteorite that is the largest known piece of Mars on Earth was sold at a Sotheby’s New York auction on Wednesday for a record-breaking $5.3 million. The 15.5-pound rock, known as the "Tissint meteorite", was discovered in the Moroccan desert in 2011 and is believed to have originated from the surface of Mars around 700,000 years ago.
Key Details
The meteorite, which is roughly the size of a bowling ball, is made of basaltic rock and is estimated to be around 4.4 billion years old. It is also the first Martian meteorite to be sold at auction and is one of only 61 known Martian meteorites on Earth. The previous record for the sale of a Martian meteorite was $2.2 million in 1998, making this recent sale a significant increase.
Impact
The sale of this rare and significant piece of Mars has sparked interest and excitement in the scientific community, as it provides a unique opportunity for further research and study on the composition and history of Mars. It also highlights the growing market for meteorites and other extraterrestrial objects in the art and auction world. This sale serves as a reminder of the endless wonders and mysteries that the universe continues to hold.
