FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2026
Ancient 4.1-Billion-Year-Old Martian Meteorite to Go on Public Display at the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
Rare space rock offers visitors a firsthand look at Mars’ early history starting next week.
BETHEL, MAINE, November 3, 2026 — The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum today announced the exclusive, limited-time exhibition of Teghaza 001, a remarkably preserved 4.1-billion-year-old meteorite. Discovered in the Malian desert, this specimen of space history will be on public display starting the week of November 9, 2026, in the museum’s space rocks gallery featuring the Stifler Collection of meteorites.
According to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory announcement of October 29, “What scientists learn from future studies could help answer many questions, including how water and rocks interacted on ancient Mars. A separate paper published in Science Advances in June detailed the meteorite’s water content, offering a look at how water shaped the early planet’s surface.”
“A child in rural Maine being able to touch the Moon and Mars is something previously unimaginable,” said Jean Benedict, Executive Director. Wonders can and do exist in rural settings, and such an experience is a potentially life-changing encounter.
About the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum (MMGM) opened in 2019 in Bethel, Maine. The museum is housed in one of the oldest commercial buildings in the town of Bethel and has become the premier science museum in the state. MMGM now holds over 80,000 specimens of pegmatites, polished gemstones and precious minerals, all mined in Maine, in addition to a collection of many of the oldest Martian and lunar meteorites.
With primary funding from Dr. Larry Stifler and his family foundation, the museum was created to retain these priceless treasures in the state of Maine in perpetuity. Since opening its doors, MMGM has welcomed over 100,000 visitors, 9,000 of whom were students.
Media Contact
Jean Benedict
Executive Director
Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
jbenedict@mainemineralmuseum.org
207-824-3036
www.mainemineralmuseum.org
