Discover the art of science. Christie’s Science and Natural History online-only auction takes you on a journey backwards in time, from the present day to the formation of the solar system 4.5 billion years ago, celebrating the milestones along the way, from fine scientific instruments made to study the cosmos through to sculptural meteorites from beyond our planet.

The sale is led by the skull of a juvenile triceratops offered without reserve, a group of visually arresting sandstone formations termed gogottes (objects particularly prized by Louis XIV), and a private collection of vintage NASA photographs. Other highlights range from the fossilized remains of extinct animals and mineral specimens from over 2 billion years ago through to the Age of Dinosaurs, to naturally-occurring geological formations, fine mineral specimens, and dynamically shaped meteorites. The selection for sale reflects a range of highly sculptural and decorative objects, which can fit comfortably in any collection.