The Real "DOOR TO HELL": GIANT Hole in Desert Has Been on Fire For Over 40 YEARS

Let's consider a hypothetical scenario where a place on Earth resembles the concept of hell, and it is believed to be a result of human actions. This may sound extreme, but there exists a real location that many consider to be worthy of the devil himself. The legendary Darwaza gas crater, situated in the Karakum desert of Central Asia, is a nightmarish inferno inadvertently created by human intervention..

The crater known as the "Gateway to Hell" has garnered significant attention, particularly among Star Wars enthusiasts, drawing comparisons to the infamous Sarlacc pit. Unlike the fictional creature, however, the crater does not possess scorching breath, and any unfortunate individuals who fall into it would likely be incinerated within seconds rather than enduring a slow digestion process. The primary question that arises is the cause behind the crater's unique characteristics and its formation. The answer lies in the actions of a team of geologists from the Soviet Union who arrived in 1971.

During an attempt to drill for oil, an unexpected incident occurred, resulting in a significant fire. Indications of potential issues emerged when the ground beneath the drilling equipment began to collapse. Unfortunately, the experts involved failed to recognize the severity of the situation until it was too late. Investigations revealed that the drilling operations had been established in an unstable area containing an underground reservoir of natural gas, primarily methane. The weight of the drilling equipment proved excessive for the ground to bear, leading to a terrifying experience for those involved. As a consequence, the Darwaza crater was formed, measuring 230 feet in width and 65 feet in depth.

Despite some claims suggesting a closer proximity of approximately 100 feet, the burners present a challenging task in maintaining a frying temperature of a thousand degrees Celsius. Given the substantial amount of escaping gas, there is effectively no viable method to sustain the operation. However, the geologists proposed an innovative solution: intentionally igniting the methane. Although it may seem hazardous, this approach proves to be the most effective means of preventing the natural gas from being released into the atmosphere. Surprisingly, a mere five percent concentration of methane in the air is sufficient to trigger a potentially explosive reaction. Furthermore, the gas poses additional risks by displacing oxygen, leading to the unfortunate demise of local wildlife due to asphyxiation. Moreover, if the lack of oxygen does not prove fatal, the flames themselves present a significant threat.

In this particular instance, an unusual occurrence transpired when the crater was intentionally set ablaze, resulting in an unexpected influx of spiders. Drawn by the allure of the flames, they emerged from various directions and proceeded to leap into the fiery pit. While this phenomenon may be considered a natural occurrence, it would undoubtedly evoke a sense of trepidation and prompt a swift departure from the vicinity. The Soviet team had anticipated that igniting the crater would effectively address the issue, successfully eliminating the gas. However, a significant challenge persists, as the crater continues to burn to this day due to the substantial quantity of gas present.

Years later, we are still at a loss regarding the appropriate course of action for this unique local phenomenon, which could be considered a tourist attraction. A proposal to fill it in was made a few years ago, but no progress has been made on that front. In the meantime, tourists have begun visiting the crater, attempting to observe it without sustaining any injuries. However, an even more remarkable event occurred in 2015 when a scientist named George RunAs descended into the crater's depths to collect soil samples. Despite being equipped with a protective suit, it is understandable why some individuals, even if provided with the most advanced protective gear, would hesitate to undertake such a perilous task due to the presence of intense heat and the rumored existence of numerous ghost spiders.

The purpose of the descent into the Darvaza crater, despite its seemingly extreme and hazardous conditions, is to study the soil in these extreme situations. By doing so, scientists, including Coronas, hope to gain insights into the potential existence of life under extreme heat conditions. The National Geographic Channel documented these efforts, highlighting the scientific potential of this exploration. While the Soviet geologists may have inadvertently created a significant problem in the desert, there is potential for scientific benefits. Many great discoveries throughout history have been made by accident, and this may be another instance where an unexpected finding leads to practical solutions. Until then, the Darvaza crater remains a unique spectacle that attracts people from around the world, showcasing a natural wonder inadvertently created by human actions. This phenomenon can be compared to other intriguing and somewhat unsettling sites, such as the eternal fire of central Pennsylvania and the Kola super-deep borehole.