In the middle of Turkmenistan’s Karakum Desert, near a small village named Derweze, rests a crater. But it’s not just any crater. No, this one is special. But it’s easier to explain why it’s so unique if you just take a look at it…

Pretty standard, right? Well, not exactly…

Flickr / Stefan Krasowski

See, there’s a reason they call this the Door to Hell. Other names: Gates to Hell, the Crater of Fire.

Flickr / Stefan Krasowski

Discovered in 1971, geologists were worried that the natural gas field would have adverse effects on neighboring towns.

Flickr / Tormod Sandtorv

In an effort to stop the spread of deadly methane gas, they set it on fire.

Flickr / sunriseOdyssey

The cavern collapsed to form a giant, flaming crater.

Flickr / sunriseOdyssey

The diameter is about 230 feet, and its depth is just under 100 feet.

Flickr / sunriseOdyssey

Yes, those are people across the way.

Originally thought to burn off in days or just weeks, the crater has been aflame for more than 40 years.

Flickr / sunriseOdyssey

The area surrounding the crater is popular for camping…if you dare.

Flickr / sunriseOdyssey

I imagine it’s pretty toasty right on the edge there. Who’s up for a visit?