Did you know about Darvaza Gas Crater or ‘Door to Hell’?
The Darvaza Gas Crater has been burning continuously since 1971, making it one of the longest-burning natural gas fires in the world
Despite popular belief, there is no official documentation on the crater's formation, adding to its mysterious allure
George Kourounis is not just the first, but so far, the only person to have descended into the crater, making his 2013 expedition a landmark event in its history
The intense heat from the crater has created a unique micro-ecosystem around its edges, with some organisms thriving in extreme conditions
Despite its tourist attraction status, the crater emits dangerous gases, making close proximity without protection hazardous
The crater's origins trace back to the Soviet era, highlighting the extensive natural gas explorations undertaken by the USSR
Despite attempts by Turkmenistan's government to extinguish the flames to utilize the area's natural gas reserves, the fire has defiantly persisted
The crater has inspired numerous local legendsand myths, becoming a symbol of nature's untamed force in Turkmen folklore
The Darvaza Gas Crater's flames are so vast and bright that they can be seen from space, marking a glowing spot-on Earth's surface
Its ominous glow and ceaseless fire have earned it the nickname "The Door to Hell," evoking images of a fiery abyss