"Deep in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan lies a massive, fiery pit that looks like a literal portal to the underworld. Locals appropriately call it the Door to Hell. In 1971, geologists were drilling for natural gas when the ground suddenly gave way, swallowing their equipment and creating a massive crater leaking toxic methane into the air. To stop the dangerous gas from spreading to nearby towns, scientists made a drastic decision. They set it on fire, expecting the fuel to burn out in just a few weeks. But they were wrong. Over 50 years later, this apocalyptic inferno is still burning continuously, creating a mesmerizing and terrifying spectacle that refuses to die. Follow for more."