So what is this crater filled with fire and how did it end up in the desert?

For those answers, we need to look back to Turkmenistan’s history.

In fact, scientists still don’t understand how much natural gas is fueling the fire.

Close View of Turkemistan’s Gates of Hell Fire Crater

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock

And in 2013 he declared the part of the desert containing the crater a natural reserve.

So authorities decided to burn off the gas, thinking it would last a few weeks.

Darvaza Crater in the Karakum Desert

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock

Door of Hell Crater in Turkmenistan

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Darkydoors/Shutterstock

Darvaza Crater at Night

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Matyas Rehak/Shutterstock

Darvaza Crater at Night

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Thiago B Trevisan/Shutterstock

Women Facing Darvaza Crater in Turkmenistan at Night

Photo:Stock Photosfrom Lockenes/Shutterstock