Darvaza gas crater

The Darvaza gas crater, also known as the Door to Hell or Gates of Hell, officially, the Shining of Karakum, is a burning natural gas field collapsed into a cavern near Darvaza, Turkmenistan. Hundreds of natural gas fires and mud illuminate the floor and rim of the crater. The crater has been burning since 1971. How the crater formed is unknown, but geo-engineers ignited the crater to prevent poisonous gases from spreading.