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PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos — People visiting the Caribbean islands of Turks and Caicos were awestruck — and a bit confused — when they saw flaming debris spread across the sky.
Called "beautiful" by many, video of the spectacle in the sky showed up on several social media posts Thursday night.
"My friends and I had just sat down to eat at Mango Reef Cafe outside," one woman wrote. "At about 5:48, I noticed a flash of light in a cloud in the distance and got my phone out to record."
Initial comments from that group included, "What is that, guys?" "That's northwest. That would be Texas." "Did the rocket blow up?"
One individual even speculated about an alien invasion. Whatever it was, all agreed, "It's gorgeous."
Another social media post said it sounded like thunder once it finished.
Turns out the flaming debris came from SpaceX's unmanned Starship when it broke apart after liftoff, sending trails of light near the Caribbean. Read more about that here.
SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk posted a video on X, saying, "Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!"