A 54-pound Martian meteorite, the largest ever found on Earth, sold for over $5 million at a New York auction. Niger, where the meteorite was discovered, is investigating potential illicit trafficking, claiming it may have been smuggled. Sotheby's, the auction house, denies any wrongdoing, stating all necessary documentation was in order. The investigation focuses on whether international heritage laws were violated, as there's ambiguity regarding meteorite ownership and trade regulations. Niger's government has temporarily suspended meteorite exports.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.