The origin story: A Soviet-Era accident.
The most widely accepted story of the crater 's creation dates back o 1971. Soviet geologists were exploring the Karakum Desert for natural gas reserves. They set up a drilling rig at the site, believing they had found a significant gas pocket. However, the ground beneath the rig collapsed, creating a large crater and causing a massive release of methane gas. Fearing the spread of poisonous gases into nearby settlements and wanting to prevent an environmental disaster, the geologists decided to set the crater on fire. The plan was to burn off the gas in a matter of weeks, but they vastly underestimated the sheer volume of the underground gas reserve. The flames, instead of dying out, have been continuously ever since, creating a mesmerizing and otherworldly spectacle.
A Fiery Landmark
The Darvaza gas crater s a truly impressive sight. it measures approximately 70 meters (230 feet) in diameter and is about 30 meters (98 feet) deep. The floor and rim of the crater are illuminated by hundreds of individual flames, with some reaching heights of 10-15 meters. The temperature inside the crater can reach a staggering 1,000C (1,800F), comparable to the heat used in industrial metal smelting furnaces . At night, the intense glow of the flames can be seen from miles away, turning the dark desert sky into a fiery canvas. Tourism and Environmental Concerns.
Over the years, the Darvaza crater has transformed from a forgotten industrial accident into a major tourist attraction. Visitors from all over the over the world make the pilgrimage to the remote desert location to witness the glowing chasm. The site has also become a subject of scientific interest, with a National Geographic expedition in 2013 confirming the vastnees of the gas reserves and even discovering microbial life thriving in the extreme conditions at the bottom of the creter.