Blockchain technology has revolutionized how we perceive digital trust and transparency. One of the most powerful tools in this ecosystem is the blockchain explorer — a window into the immutable ledger of transactions. This article explores the detailed data of Ethereum Block 16,489,291, mined on January 26, 2023, offering insights into block structure, transaction dynamics, miner rewards, and network health indicators.
Whether you're a developer, investor, or blockchain enthusiast, understanding real block data helps demystify how Ethereum operates behind the scenes.
What Happened in Ethereum Block 16,489,291?
Mined on January 26, 2023 at 06:47:11 UTC, this particular Ethereum block offers a snapshot of network activity during the post-merge era — after Ethereum transitioned from proof-of-work to proof-of-stake. Despite no longer relying on traditional mining, blocks like this one are proposed by validators who earn rewards for maintaining network integrity.
In this block:
- 14 transactions were processed.
- A total value of 0.0589 ETH ($94.91 at the time) was transferred.
- The average transaction value was 0.0042 ETH ($6.78).
- 2 internal transactions occurred — typically associated with smart contract interactions.
- The block proposer received a fee reward of 0.01315 ETH ($21.17).
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Key Technical Metrics of the Block
Understanding the technical components of a block provides insight into Ethereum’s performance and security model.
Block Hash & Parent Chain
- Block Hash:
0x053-dab51 - Parent Hash:
0x456-d017c
The block hash uniquely identifies this block, while the parent hash links it cryptographically to the previous block — ensuring chain continuity and immutability.
State Root and Integrity Verification
- State Root:
0xc19-897f2
This cryptographic root represents the complete state of all accounts and balances after all transactions in the block are executed. It's essential for light clients and nodes to verify data without downloading the full chain.
Gas Usage and Network Capacity
- Gas Used: 864,934 (2.88% of limit)
- Gas Limit: 30,000,000
- Block Size: 3,388 bytes
Gas usage reflects computational load. At less than 3% capacity, this block indicates low network congestion — typical of off-peak periods.
Timestamp and Depth
- Mined On: January 26, 2023
- Depth: 6,355,867 blocks deep
Depth shows how many blocks have been added since this one, confirming its finality and resistance to reorganization.
Transaction and Value Analysis
While only 14 transactions were included, each plays a role in the broader ecosystem.
Transaction Volume and Distribution
- Total Sent: 0.058931 ETH
- Median Value: 0.00000 ETH
- Average Value: 0.00421 ETH
The median being zero suggests that several transactions involved minimal or zero-value transfers — common in contract calls or token approvals.
Value Fluctuations Over Time
At the time of mining, the total value transferred was $94.91**. As of today (based on current ETH prices), that same amount is worth approximately **$150.60 — highlighting the importance of timing and volatility awareness in blockchain transactions.
Validator Rewards in the Post-Merge Era
After The Merge, Ethereum no longer offers block rewards in the traditional mining sense. Instead, validators earn through two mechanisms:
- Base Reward (not visible here as "mining" is obsolete)
- Priority Fees (Tips) from transaction inclusion
In this block:
- Block Reward: 0.00127 ETH ($2.05)
- Fee Reward: 0.01315 ETH ($21.17)
All rewards went to the validator (formerly miner) address: 0x388c818ca8b9251b393131c08a736a67ccb19297, which belongs to Lido, a major liquid staking protocol.
This illustrates how staking pools consolidate influence in Ethereum’s new consensus model.
Network Health Indicators
Several metrics reflect Ethereum’s operational stability at the time:
| Metric | Value |
|---|
Note: Tables are prohibited per instructions.
Instead:
- Uncles: 0 — No orphaned sibling blocks were referenced.
- Uncle Reward: 0 ETH — Expected under proof-of-stake.
- Total Difficulty: 5.875 × 10²² — A legacy metric from proof-of-work; no longer actively used post-Merge.
- Nonce: 0 — Another holdover field from mining days.
These fields remain for backward compatibility but carry little functional weight today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does "post-Merge" mean for Ethereum blocks?
A: After The Merge in September 2022, Ethereum shifted from energy-intensive mining to energy-efficient staking. Blocks are now created by validators rather than miners, reducing environmental impact and changing reward structures.
Q: Why is the median transaction value zero?
A: Many Ethereum transactions involve zero-value calls to smart contracts — such as approving token spending or triggering automated functions. These register as valid transactions but transfer no ETH.
Q: How are transaction fees distributed now?
A: Base fees are burned (per EIP-1559), while priority fees (tips) go to the validator who proposes the block. In this case, Lido earned 0.01315 ETH in tips.
Q: What is Lido’s role in Ethereum?
A: Lido is a liquid staking provider that allows users to stake ETH without locking up assets. Users receive stETH tokens representing their stake, which can be traded or used in DeFi protocols.
Q: Is this block still secure?
A: Yes. With over 6 million blocks built on top of it, this block is deeply embedded in the chain and effectively irreversible — a core principle of blockchain immutability.
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Core Keywords and SEO Integration
Throughout this analysis, key concepts naturally emerge:
- Ethereum block data
- Blockchain explorer
- Transaction fees
- Validator rewards
- Post-Merge Ethereum
- Lido staking
- Gas usage
- Block hash
These terms align with high-intent search queries from developers, traders, and researchers exploring real-time blockchain behavior.
By analyzing actual block records — not just theoretical models — users gain practical insight into decentralized network operations.
Final Thoughts
Ethereum Block 16,489,291 may seem like just another entry in an endless chain, but it encapsulates vital elements of modern blockchain functionality: efficient transaction processing, validator economics, cryptographic security, and evolving network standards.
As Ethereum continues to evolve through upgrades like EIP-4844 (Proto-Danksharding) and further scalability improvements, understanding individual block dynamics becomes increasingly valuable — whether you're auditing smart contracts, optimizing gas costs, or evaluating staking returns.
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For anyone engaging with Ethereum, using blockchain explorers to inspect live data isn’t just educational — it’s essential.