A NOTORIOUS 1,000 degree desert crater dubbed the "Gateway to Hell" is finally closing as the fiery inferno has died down to mere "faint flames".

The infamous pit's blaze has been raging on for 50 years without dying down - but boffins have now said the nightmare hole is closing.

Formed in 1971 in Turkmenistan, the Darvaza crater is said to have come from curious Soviet scientists who drilled a hole into the ground and hit a gas pocket.

The bumbling researchers then decided to set it alight, giving birth to the nightmare formation .

Located in the Karakum desert, the 230ft-wide sinkhole has become one of the former Soviet nation's most popular tourist attractions .

About 65ft deep, the formation is known officially as the "Shining of Karakum".

Researchers said the flames

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