Mars rock found in Niger sells for millions in New York - now the country wants answers

A rare and valuable meteorite from Mars was discovered in Niger, a country in West Africa, and recently sold for millions of dollars at an auction in New York. The sale has sparked controversy and questions about how the meteorite was exported from Niger and whether the country received any benefit from the transaction. The meteorite, which glows silver and red, is the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth. It was displayed in New York before being sold to an anonymous buyer, and the seller's identity was also kept secret. Professor Paul Sereno, a palaeontologist with strong ties to Niger, is angry about the sale and believes the meteorite should be returned to Niger, as it is an important part of the country's heritage.

Meteorites are pieces of rock from space that sometimes land on Earth. They have fascinated people for centuries, with some becoming religious objects or scientific specimens. The Sahara Desert, which covers parts of Niger, is a popular place to search for meteorites because the dry climate helps preserve them. According to reports, the Martian meteorite was found in the Agadez region of Niger by a meteorite hunter whose identity is unknown. It was sold by the local community to an international dealer and then sent to a private gallery in Italy, where scientists studied it. After being displayed in Italy, the meteorite was shipped to New York for auction, with two slices remaining in Italy for research. Sotheby's, the auction house, claims that all proper procedures were followed during the export and sale, but Niger's government has launched an investigation, expressing doubts about the legality of the export and concerns about possible illegal trafficking.

The situation has raised questions about international laws and agreements regarding the export of cultural and natural heritage items. While Niger has laws to protect its heritage, meteorites are not specifically mentioned. Other countries, like Morocco, have faced similar challenges with meteorites being taken and sold abroad. Some scientists, like Professor Hasnaa Chennaoui Aoudjehane from Morocco, believe that meteorites are an important part of a country's identity and should be protected. Despite efforts to regulate the trade, many meteorites still leave their countries of origin. Professor Sereno hopes that the sale of the Martian meteorite will encourage Niger to take stronger action to protect its heritage and ensure that valuable items like meteorites remain in the country.