38 Places Where Nature Looks Straight Out of a Sci-Fi Movie

16. The Door to Hell: Turkmenistan’s Flaming Crater

Deep in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan lies the Darvaza Gas Crater, ominously nicknamed "The Door to Hell." This fiery pit, which spans approximately 70 meters in diameter, has been burning continuously since 1971 after a natural gas field collapsed and was ignited to prevent the spread of methane. The crater emits a constant orange glow, casting flickering shadows on the surrounding desert and creating a spectacle that is both haunting and mesmerizing. At night, the flames appear even more intense, illuminating the barren landscape with an otherworldly light. The Darvaza Gas Crater is a striking example of humanity's interaction with natural forces, resulting in a phenomenon that feels like a portal to another dimension. Visitors brave enough to venture into the remote desert are rewarded with a surreal and unforgettable experience, witnessing one of Earth’s most unusual and dramatic features.