Earth is full of weird stuff that even today’s scientists can’t figure out. These mysterious spots keep researchers scratching their heads, asking the same questions: Why does this happen? How is this even possible? Here are 15 places around the world where nature throws science a curveball, and we’ve ranked them from strange to absolutely mind-blowing.
About the Author
Former Journalist
Lily Parker
Hi, I’m Lily Parker from the Planet Life editorial team. As a former journalist, I’ve honed my research skills, and I’m passionate about exploring global cultures. I write about unique traditions and fascinating customs from around the world. My goal is to spark your curiosity and show you a different side of the planet.
No. 15: Fly Geyser (USA)
Source：WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Appearing out of nowhere in the desolate Black Rock Desert of Nevada is a brightly colored geyser unlike any other. This is the Fly Geyser. It’s not a natural wonder; it was accidentally created in 1964 during an attempt to drill for geothermal energy. The well struck high-temperature water about 40 meters underground, and for over 60 years, it’s been continuously spouting a column of water up to 1.5 meters high.
Image created by Midjourney
The geyser’s most striking feature is the vibrant mineral terraces it has created. The brilliant colors of red, green, and yellow are produced by a chemical reaction between the minerals in the hot water and various types of algae and bacteria, making the landscape look otherworldly. However, why such a wide and vivid array of colors appears is not yet fully understood by scientists. Furthermore, the fact that this specific spot continues to have geothermal activity even without a clear heat source nearby is another one of its great mysteries.
Today, the Fly Geyser is located on private property and is inaccessible to the public, though it can be viewed from a distance or on platforms like Google Earth. Dubbed a “miracle of the desert,” this sight is a testament to the unexpected beauty that can arise from a human mistake.
No. 14: Valley of Thunder (Venezuela)
Source：tripsavvy
In Lake Maracaibo in northwestern Venezuela, a phenomenon unlike any other in the world is taking place. Known as “Catatumbo’s Lightning,” it’s a series of lightning strikes that occur with an unbelievable frequency. The lightning can appear for up to 10 hours a day on about 250 days a year, with up to 300 lightning strikes per minute.
This lightning is particularly unique because it’s almost always silent, creating a mesmerizing light show over the lake at night. While it is thought that the Andes Mountains and humid air from the Caribbean Sea play a role, it remains a mystery why the lightning is so heavily concentrated in this one specific location.
Image created by Midjourney
This phenomenon has been known for over 500 years, with local indigenous people revering it as “the battle of the gods.” According to NASA observations, Catatumbo’s Lightning also plays an important role in the global environment by helping to regenerate the ozone layer, suggesting it is more than just a simple weather event. After the lightning temporarily stopped in 2010, sparking fears of a link to climate change, it has since returned and is now as active as ever.
