A remarkable piece of Martian history has changed hands for an astronomical sum at a high-profile auction in London. The meteorite, one of the largest known fragments from the Red Planet, has captivated both the scientific community and private collectors.
A Celestial Treasure
The 2kg specimen, officially classified as NWA 7034 but nicknamed 'Black Beauty', represents one of the most significant Martian meteorites ever discovered. Its volcanic composition and unique crystalline structure make it particularly valuable to researchers studying planetary formation.
Scientific Goldmine
What makes this meteorite extraordinary isn't just its Martian origin, but its age. Estimated at 2.1 billion years old, it provides crucial insights into Mars' geological evolution during a period when liquid water likely existed on its surface.
Dr. Sarah Johnson, planetary scientist at Imperial College London, explains: 'This particular specimen contains more atmospheric gases trapped in its vesicles than any other Martian meteorite we've studied. It's like holding a piece of Mars' ancient climate in your hands.'
Record-Breaking Bid
The auction at Christie's saw fierce competition between private collectors and institutional buyers, eventually selling for £1.8 million - nearly triple its pre-sale estimate. This sets a new record for Martian meteorites at auction.
The anonymous buyer, believed to be a European tech entrepreneur, has pledged to make the meteorite available for scientific study on a loan basis.
From Desert to Display
Discovered in the Sahara Desert in 2011 by nomadic tribesmen, the meteorite's journey to London involved complex authentication processes. Its Martian origin was confirmed through isotopic analysis at NASA's Johnson Space Center.
With only about 300kg of Martian material known to exist on Earth, such large, well-preserved specimens are becoming increasingly sought-after by both museums and wealthy space enthusiasts.
