A 54-pound Martian meteorite, NWA 16788, the largest ever found on Earth, sold for $4.3 million at a Sotheby's auction. Discovered in Niger, it's significantly larger than any previous Martian meteorite found. While some express concern about its private sale, a scientist notes that meteorite collecting drives scientific research, and a sample has been preserved for study at the Purple Mountain Observatory in China. The sale price surpasses previous records for Martian meteorites.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.