logo
Meteorite from Mars could be yours for $2 million

Meteorite from Mars could be yours for $2 million

Independent02-07-2025
The largest Martian meteorite ever found on Earth, named NWA 16788, is scheduled for auction at Sotheby's New York on July 16.
Discovered in the Sahara Desert in 2023, this 54-pound space rock is 70 percent larger than any other Martian meteorite foun d and is estimated to sell for $2 million to $4 million.
Sotheby's describes NWA 16788 a s a "once-in-a-generation find" that offers valuable insights into the geology and composition of Mars.
If sold within its estimated range, the meteorite is expected to break previous auction records for similar items.
The auctioning of scientifically and historically significant items like meteorites and dinosaur fossils continues to be a controversial practice.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Satellite to track climate change from space with help from Scots scientists
Satellite to track climate change from space with help from Scots scientists

STV News

time11 hours ago

  • STV News

Satellite to track climate change from space with help from Scots scientists

Scientists from the University of Edinburgh are celebrating the successful launch of a new satellite set to transform the way the world monitors carbon dioxide. MicroCarb – a landmark UK-France mission – has soared into orbit aboard the 35-metre Vega-C rocket, launched from French Guiana. It's designed to deliver the most detailed satellite measurements of atmospheric CO2 ever achieved from space. The groundbreaking satellite marks a major milestone in the fight against climate change by providing more accurate climate data, experts say. STV News 'Climate watchdog' satellite will transform how carbon is monitored globally Designed to act as a 'climate watchdog', MicroCarb will pinpoint how much carbon dioxide is being emitted and absorbed by cities, oceans and forests in unprecedented detail. Its readings will feed into global efforts to tackle climate change and limit global warming to 1.5C. University of Edinburgh space science professor Paul Palmer told STV News: 'For us, there are still some very fundamental questions about our knowledge of the global carbon cycle particularly now with our warming world. STV News Researchers from the University of Edinburgh will translate the satellite's CO₂ data into detailed publicly accessible maps showing carbon absorption and emissions. 'We're seeing things changing very rapidly, particularly in the tropics, and also because we're going to collect data that will contribute to the Paris Agreement. 'So, understanding which countries are emitting and absorbing what will play a role in our delivery of that information.' MicroCarb can also track the faint glow plants emit when they take in too much energy from the sun than they can use, revealing seasonal trends of carbon absorption. Philippe Landiech, senior project leader for MicroCarb at the National d'études Spatiales (French National Space Agency). said watching the satellite successfully enter orbit was 'a great pleasure'. UK Space Agendy Artist's impression of MicroCarb in orbit He said: 'We had a few seconds of anxiety – there was great satisfaction once everything was okay! 'The aim of MicroCarb is to get worldwide access of the CO₂ contribution in the atmosphere and measure the CO2 content between sources around the Earth. 'To have this in the longer timeframe, we want to see the seasonal effects better in a longer timeframe and track global trends linked to the climate change we are facing.' UK minister for space Sir Chris Bryant said: 'Satellites like Microcarb are essentially our eyes in the sky,' he said. 'Over half of the critical data we use to understand climate change comes from space.' 'This groundbreaking mission is proof of what can be achieved when we harness the strength of Britain's burgeoning space industry, together with our deep scientific expertise. Bolstered with £15m UK Government backing, the MicroCarb satellite will overhaul our ability to track carbon emissions – supporting the clean energy mission that's key to this Government's Plan for Change. 'It's also further evidence of the value of our deep and unique relationship with France: a partnership which the Prime Minister reinforced, with President Macron, at the UK-France Summit earlier this month.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

Some adults in their 60s have younger immune systems, research finds
Some adults in their 60s have younger immune systems, research finds

The Independent

time21 hours ago

  • The Independent

Some adults in their 60s have younger immune systems, research finds

Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered that some individuals over 60 possess immune systems that appear significantly younger than their chronological age. This cellular 'youthfulness' in older adults, however, is associated with a significant drawback: an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases. The discovery was made while studying over 100 older patients receiving treatment for giant cell arteritis, a rare autoimmune condition. Researchers found these patients had 'stem-like T cells' which, despite behaving like young stem cells, were contributing to the spread of autoimmune disease. The findings suggest a complex trade-off, indicating that an immune system aging in tandem with the body may offer benefits, despite the perceived advantage of a 'younger' immune system.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store