Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:The Darvaza gas crater—also known as the “Gates of Hell”—has been burning continuously for years thanks to its steady supply of seeping methane gas. This news is in line with previous reports last year that satellite observations of the Gates of Hell showed a 50 percent decline in emissions . Although the never-ending burn pit draws its fair share of pyromaniacs, closing off the pit is likely for the best for many reasons. Of course, as the flames of the Darvaza gas crater slowly flicker out, some locals are concerned about the loss of tourism dollars from people flocking to the area to see the strange phenomenon. Extinguishing the “Gates of Hell” may only be the beginning of Turkmenistan’s problems.