Martian Rock Sold for Millions Raises Questions in Niger
make a killing: to make a lot of money very quickly or easily
A rock from Mars has sold for a record high price this year. Neither the buyer’s nor the seller’s name has been shared, but whoever sold the rock made a killing. After a 15-minute bidding battle, it sold for over 5 million dollars at a Sotheby’s auction in New York.
The rock, called NWA 16788, was discovered in the Sahara Desert in Niger in 2023. At 54 pounds, it is the largest piece of Mars ever found on Earth. Sotheby’s said it was blown off Mars by an asteroid strike and traveled 140 million miles before landing on Earth.
The Sahara Desert has become a popular hunting ground for meteorites, but this sale has raised questions. Niger’s government has started an investigation. They say the meteorite may have left the country illegally. Officials have now suspended exports of meteorites while they review the case.
Sample sentences
My friend made a killing when she sold her rare sports car.
He made a killing by buying tickets early and selling them later for double the price.
They made a killing when their app became popular and millions of people downloaded it.
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Niger wants answers after largest piece of Mars sold at auction for more than $5 million