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LONDON: One of the world’s largest lunar meteorites goes on private sale at Christie’s on Thursday, valued at £ 2 million.
The lunar rock, which weighed more than 13.5 kg, was probably hit on the moon’s surface by a collision with an asteroid or comet and then fell into the Sahara desert.
Known as NWA 12691, it is believed to be the fifth largest piece of the moon ever found on earth. There are only 650 kg of known moon rock on earth.
“The experience of having a piece of another world in your hands is something you will never forget,” said James Hyslop, director of science and natural history for Christie.
“It is a real piece of the moon. It’s about the size of a soccer ball, a little more oblong than that, bigger than your head. “
Like many meteorites that are discovered, it was found in the Sahara by an anonymous seeker after traveling some 240,000 miles to Earth from the moon.
Then it changed hands and was carefully studied.
Scientists can be sure of its origin after comparing it to rock samples brought by the United States’ Apollo space missions to the moon.
“In the 1960s and 1970s, the Apollo program brought about 400 kg of moon rock and scientists have been able to analyze the chemical and isotopic compositions of those rocks and have determined that they match certain meteorites,” said Hyslop.
Meteorites are incredibly rare, and only one in a thousand comes from the moon, making it a very special object, he added.
“We look forward to great international interest from natural history museums … it is a wonderful trophy for anyone interested in space history or lunar exploration.”
The moon has fascinated man since the dawn of human history as a symbol of power, love, time and prosperity, and it is the only natural satellite on Earth.
It is believed to have formed 4.5 billion years ago when a body the size of Mars collided with Earth.
Christie will also be offering a group of 13 aesthetic iron meteorites for private sale.
That collection is estimated to be worth £ 1.4 million.
