An intriguing discovery was made this Saturday in the municipality of Pilón, located in Cuba's southern province of Granma. A small rock-like object, which may be a meteorite according to initial assessments by a seismological expert, was found after apparently falling from the sky.
Enrique Diego Arango Arias, head of the National Seismology Service and technical director of the National Center for Seismological Research (CENAIS), shared a video of the find on his public Facebook profile, describing it as a "probable meteorite fall in Pilón."
In his post, Arias emphasized the importance of preserving the site, urging, "It is crucial to leave the area untouched so it can be studied and analyzed thoroughly."
The mysterious object was discovered by a group of local youths and handed over to the MININT headquarters in Pilón for safekeeping, as confirmed by Marta Digno, president of the Municipal Assembly of People's Power, to journalist Marisela Presa.
According to the youths' account relayed to Digno, the object bounced approximately three times upon impact and appeared red-hot, indicating a high-temperature collision.
A video posted in the Facebook group "Revolico Pilón" shows two dark, rough-textured objects lying on dry ground, surrounded by a reddish area suggesting heat was generated upon impact. The person filming expressed astonishment, noting, "That fell from the sky... it's emitting gas and a strong odor."
Journalist Marisela Presa, who contacted municipal authorities, reported that the local MININT has secured the object and that investigations are continuing.
If confirmed, this would mark the sixth scientifically recorded meteorite in Cuba. The country has previously documented five meteorites: Las Canas (1844), Bacuranao (1974), Santa Isabel de las Lajas (1994), Viñales (2019), and Ramón de las Yaguas in Santiago de Cuba (2021).
The most recent and widely publicized case was in Viñales, Pinar del Río, where CITMA confirmed the fall of an ordinary L6 chondrite, which fractured into several pieces, the largest measuring about 11 centimeters.
In November 2024, a potential meteorite fall in Matanzas was investigated but not confirmed.
Pilón, a coastal municipality in southern Granma with a population of approximately 28,752, relies heavily on fishing and agriculture. The region has also experienced recurrent seismic activity in recent years, making CENAIS a crucial player in monitoring such events.
As of now, there is no official scientific confirmation that the object found is indeed a meteorite, and Pilón authorities are still working to clarify the details.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pilón Meteorite Discovery
What is the significance of finding a meteorite in Pilón?
Discovering a meteorite in Pilón could provide valuable scientific data about cosmic materials and their impact on Earth, as well as add to the recorded history of meteorite falls in Cuba.
How many meteorites have been confirmed in Cuba?
Cuba has confirmed five meteorite falls prior to this incident: Las Canas (1844), Bacuranao (1974), Santa Isabel de las Lajas (1994), Viñales (2019), and Ramón de las Yaguas (2021).
What measures are being taken to secure the object found in Pilón?
The object has been secured by local MININT authorities for further investigation and to ensure it remains in its original state for scientific analysis.