A Martian meteorite discovered in Mali has been dated to over 4.1 billion years ago.

What it means

This is a report on a study published in the journal Science characterizing Teghaza 001, a Martian meteorite found in the Sahara Desert in Mali in 2022. The study, funded by NASA, dated the rock to over 4.1 billion years old, making it one of the oldest Martian meteorites ever found. It provides a rare window into the ancient crust of Mars and the conditions that may have supported early life.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is based on a peer-reviewed study in Science, a leading scientific journal, and is funded by NASA. The reporting by Anadolu Agency and other outlets closely follows the study's findings, making it a reliable secondary account.

How new

Genuinely new; the study was published in late October 2026.

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