Scientists are expressing their sorrow over the recent auction of the world’s largest Mars meteorite. Known as NWA 16788, this colossal rock weighs approximately 54 pounds and represents a remarkable piece of extraterrestrial history. It traveled millions of miles across space before landing on Earth, only to end up in the hands of an undisclosed plutocrat. This auction has sparked conversations about the ethics of selling such invaluable scientific artifacts.
The sale of NWA 16788 highlights a growing concern among the scientific community regarding the privatization of space artifacts. With this meteorite being the largest known specimen from Mars, its acquisition by a private collector raises questions about future research opportunities. The runner-up in this category is significantly smaller, making NWA 16788 an invaluable asset for studies related to the Red Planet.
The Impact of Private Ownership
When such significant pieces of our celestial history are sold to private collectors, the potential for scientific analysis diminishes. Many believe that artifacts like NWA 16788 should remain accessible to researchers and the public to advance our understanding of Mars and its history.
