.jpg)
Deep in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan, a massive crater blazes with an unearthly glow, lighting up the night sky like an entrance to another world. This fiery pit, known as the Darvaza Gas Crater or the "Door to Hell," has been burning continuously for over 50 years.
How Did the Door to Hell Form?
🔥 A Soviet Drilling Accident – In 1971, Soviet geologists were exploring the desert in search of natural gas reserves.
🔥 The Ground Collapsed – While drilling, they accidentally punctured a gas pocket, causing the land to cave in and form a crater 69 meters (226 feet) wide and 30 meters (98 feet) deep.
🔥 A Never-Ending Fire – To prevent the spread of dangerous methane gas, the scientists set it on fire, expecting it to burn out in a few weeks. Instead, the flames never stopped burning.
A Bizarre and Fiery Landmark
🌍 A Unique Natural Phenomenon – The crater's fiery glow can be seen from miles away.
📸 A Tourist Attraction – Despite its remote location, the site attracts adventurers and photographers.
🔥 An Ongoing Mystery – Scientists still study the crater to understand how natural gas escapes from the Earth's crust.
Can the Fire Ever Be Extinguished?
In recent years, Turkmenistan’s government has considered closing the crater due to environmental concerns and wasted resources. However, no clear plan has been made, and for now, the flames continue to burn, keeping the Door to Hell open.