Cuba investigates object fall in Granma suspected to be space debris

Authorities in Granma, Cuba, are investigating the fall of an object in the La Trocha neighborhood of Pilón. The object, described as being roughly the size of an almond, was reported by residents on Saturday, August 22, as appearing red-hot, emitting gases, and having a strong odor upon impact.

While initially suspected to be a meteorite, geologists and specialists have raised doubts about its extraterrestrial origin. Manuel Iturralde Vinent, a member of the Academy of Sciences of Cuba, noted that the object lacks a fusion crust, is highly porous, and possesses a spherical structure with voids that is not characteristic of space material. Additionally, no impact crater was found at the site.

Iturralde Vinent suggested the fragment might be circumterrestrial technological debris from the atmosphere. The object has been transferred to Bayamo for detailed analysis by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) and the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS).