Niger Launches Probe into Sale of World’s Largest Martian Meteorite

The government of Niger Republic has launched an urgent investigation into the controversial sale of NWA 16788, the largest Martian meteorite ever discovered on Earth, which was recently auctioned in New York for $5.3 million.

The 24.5-kilogram ochre-toned rock, unearthed on November 16, 2023, in the desert region of Agadez by a meteorite hunter, has sparked international scrutiny after its unexpected journey through China and Italy before being sold by Sotheby’s in the United States. The sale has raised serious concerns within Niger, with authorities suspecting illegal export of the rare celestial object.

Niger’s ministries of justice, higher education, and mines have been tasked with conducting a full-scale investigation into how such a scientifically and culturally significant artifact was able to leave the country without proper authorisation or oversight.

Named NWA 16788, the meteorite is now considered one of the most important Martian fragments known to science. Measuring 40 centimetres in length, it is believed to have travelled over 62 million kilometres from Mars after being ejected by a massive asteroid impact.

Scientists have confirmed that it originated from ancient Martian magma, making it a rare and invaluable specimen among only about 400 confirmed Martian meteorites.

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