The Darvaza Gas Crater

The Darvaza Gas Crater in Turkmenistan is a sinkhole on top of a natural gas deposit. It was opened accidentally in 1971 during gas exploration, and set alight in the hope that the gas would be exhausted in a few days, but it has continued to burn ever since.  I've categorized this under Space because although it looks like something from another planet, it could only have happened on ours, with its oxygen, natural gas deposits, and meddlesome humans. Watch this French documentary to see how the local bird life has adapted. The photo comes from here. D