Cuban scientists investigate object of possible space origin

Specialists from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (Citma) are investigating an object of possible space origin found in the Pilón municipality of Granma province, Cuba. The object, described as being approximately the size of an almond, was discovered near the Purgatorio River in the La Trocha community on Saturday, August 22.

Witnesses reported that the material was hot, emitting smoke and gases, and possessed an unusual odor. Descriptions varied, with some comparing it to volcanic rock and others to metallic scrap. Due to the potential natural or astronomical hazard, Civil Defense activated disaster risk reduction protocols, and the object was moved under custody to Bayamo for expert examination.

Preliminary assessments by geologist Manuel Iturralde Vinent have raised doubts regarding a meteoritic origin. Iturralde Vinent noted that the material lacks the characteristic fusion crust—a dark, shiny layer formed when a meteorite enters the atmosphere at high speeds—and instead exhibits a highly porous texture.