Dozens of meteorites that have crashed into Earth are going up for auction through Christie’s beginning Feb. 9, including the above 16-pound rock that refrained from rotating during its blazing atmospheric entry – a rare occurrence – giving it its distinct, streaky appearance. It’s estimated to go for $50,000 to $80,000.
An impressive celestial collection of 75 items makes up the auction titled Deep Impact: Lunar, Martian and Other Rare Meteorites. The auction includes meteorites from the Moon, Mars, and pieces of asteroids. Some are sold with little to no alteration, while others have been transformed for aesthetic purposes and to show off the structures beneath their otherwise charred exteriors.
The deep impact auction at christie’s runs from February 9 to February 23
