A meteorite fragment from Mars weighing 25 kg sold for $4.3 million, becoming the most expensive space rock in history. The unique exhibit was exhibited at the Italian Space Agency before the sale, and its new owner chose to remain anonymous.
Scientists consider Martian meteorites a rare opportunity to study geology The Red Planet without expensive space missions. This stone, which fell to Earth after the collision of Mars with an asteroid, could reveal the secrets of planet formation and even help in the search for traces of ancient life.
The auction attracted the attention of not only private collectors, but also scientific organizations. Despite their high cost, such samples are an investment in the future: their price only increases over time, and their scientific value is undeniable.
While scientists are analyzing meteorite composition, ordinary people can only dream of such an exclusive trophy. Perhaps in the future such finds will become more accessible, but for now this is a rarity for which millions are willing to pay.
The material was prepared with the support of the Russian Ministry of Education and Science as part of the Decade of Science and Technology
Source: @expoprom
