A rare 24.7kg meteorite, identified as the largest known piece of Mars on Earth, has been sold at auction in the United States for a staggering $5.3 million. The rock was originally discovered in the desert of Niger.
The sale has sparked controversy, as the meteorite was reportedly auctioned off without the consent or knowledge of the Nigerien government. Authorities in Niger have since launched an official investigation into how the valuable specimen left the country and was sold overseas.
The incident raises renewed concerns over the unauthorized export of rare natural resources and cultural assets from developing nations.
