While drilling in 1971, Soviet geologists tapped into a cavern filled with natural gas.The ground beneath the drilling rig collapsed, leaving a large hole with a diameter of 70 meters (230 ft). To avoid poisonous gas discharge, it was decided the best solution was burn it off. Geologists had hoped the fire would use all the fuel in a matter of days, but the gas is still burning today. Locals have dubbed the cavern “The Door to Hell”.
“The Door To Hell” may sound like a science fiction-horror movie, but it’s not. It is a real place in Turkmenistan.
Hank Green of SciShow explains that in the 1970′s, Soviet scientists found an amazing depot of natural gas, but while attempting to retrieve it accidentally caused the ground to collapse.
The scientists realized it would be better to set the now free methane on fire than let the dangerous, combustible gas vent into the environment.
They thought the gas would be burn up in a few weeks, but 42 years later the crater is still burning.
