In this day and age of technology, it may seem like we know everything... That is far from the truth. There are tons of places in this world where even the most renowned researchers and scientists cannot explain. From conspiracy theories like the Bermuda Triangle to the bizarre pink lake of Australia, learning about these places will leave you questioning how much about the world we will never figure out.
Fae Circles of Namibia
The Namib Desert in Africa has fields of grass that decorate the sand in perfect circles. Some of the circles range from 10 to 65 feet in diameter. At first, investigators believed that the circles were due to termites, but no insects of the sort could be found.
Faerie rings have a supernatural connotation to them. These rings, which can form everywhere but are most common in forests and appear as mushrooms, indicate that fae is around. You should never step in one of these, even if you're a skeptic!
The Beacon Maracaibo
There is a lightning storm that almost never ends in Venezuela. On most nights, the storm starts at 7 p.m. and lasts for 10 hours over the Catatumbo River. On average, the storm rages on 260 nights a year.
Scientists and meteorologists say that uranium in the air could be to blame. Another theory is that the nearby Andes Mountains collides with warm trade winds and evaporating water and methane from a nearby oil field could be another reason as to why this happens. In 2010, it randomly stopped but only for six weeks.
Kawah Ijen
In Indonesia, there is a volcano that inexplicably spews blue lava. There are sulfuric gases that get released during an eruption, which then changes the color of the lava. The blue-colored flames meld into liquid sulfur. Technically, it's not lava and can be very toxic is anyone nearby who might have breathed it in.
The island of Java, where the blue volcano is located, is the 13th largest island in the world. The volcano remains active, but has not had a full, magmatic eruption since 1817. The blue lava still spills out from time to time and is generally an easy site to see.
The DoubleTree
There is a rare phenomenon in Piemonte, Italy that brings tourists from all over the world. There is a cherry tree on top of the mulberry tree. Both trees are fully forms and totally healthy!
Locals believe that a bird is responsible for this bizarre growth. They think that a bird may have dropped a seed into the most perfect part of the mulberry tree which caused this cherry tree grow that way.
The Nazca Lines of Peru
There are random lines that run for miles in the Peruvian Desert. They create wide geometric forms of birds, monkeys, shapes, and symbols. All of these can be seen from the sky. Some people think that the Nazca people of Peru were trying to communicate with gods, or maybe even aliens.
The lines cover an area of nearly 1,000 sq. kilometers. Some of the lines measure 30 meters wide! These images are only visible while in the air or on specific hilltops.
Lake Karachay
Lake Karachay is a radioactive lake in the former Soviet Union. A weapons factory called Mayak Facility suffered from a nuclear explosion here in 1957. The radioactive waves spread particles over 9k square miles.
The lake officially dried up in 1967, which sent radioactive dust particles another 900 square miles. The lake has some wet patches, which are highly radioactive. If you stand next to the lake for one hour without any protective gear, you will likely die.
Hessdalen Lights
The quaint country of Norway has experienced something crazy in its skies. Sometimes, there are floating streaks of light that take the colors of white, yellow, and even red. They appear over the Hessdalen Valley, hence the name, and remain in the sky for nearly two hours.
The lights have been appearing since the 1930s. Researchers believe that ionized iron dust causes the lights in the skies, but it's hard to tell. It's basically a form of an aurora borealis, but even more peculiar.
Grüner Sea
Grüner Sea is in the Hochschwab Mountains which is in the Northern Limestone Alps of Austria. The range itself is in Styria. The lake is also called the "green like" because of its striking emerald green water, but that's not the only thing that is striking!
In the winter, the lake is only 3-7 feet deep at its deepest, and the surrounding area is used as a county park. In the spring, the park fills up with water and creates an "underground" park where people can scuba dive and swim. Benches and tables stay planted in the ground.
The Petrifying Well
Deep into a wooded area in Yorkshire, England is a bizarre, naturally occuring petrified well. Water trickles down the cliff side and into a hole. Somehow, the water turns petrifies anything that it touches for at least three months.
Because of this phenomenon, people leave random objects in the well. Things like baby dolls, teddy bears, and even shoes have been left along the cliffs in order for them to become petrified.
The Hum of the Taos
The small pueblo of Taos, New Mexico hosts a peculiar phenomenon that no one can explain. Residents of the town have complained about a constant "humming" sound that penetrates the frequencies surrounding the old buildings. This isn't new... People have been reporting this humming sound since the '90s.
With 30 years of complaints, researchers have not been able to pinpoint what's going on. Their only suggestion is that maybe the people who live in the town are just "really good" at hearing. Their ears are more intuned with their environment, so they can simply hear it better. Interesting theory...?
Bermuda Triangle
Everyone knows the stories of the Bermuda Triangle. The rumors say that ships and planes randomly go missing when they cross the invisible lines of the triangle. These lines run from Bermuda, Florida, and Puerto Rico.
Some people think that Amelia Earheart may have been a victim of the Bermuda Triangle. People say that it's a tropical storm-rich area which plays a part in the mysterious vanishings of planes and boats. Others think that there's a supernatural force at work, but no one can say for sure what the force is.
Movile Cave
This cave in Romania strikes most people who enter it as bizarre. Caves give most people the heebie geebies, but this one is a bit different... Its intense sulfuric smell sends people running. The cave hasn't seen sunlight in over 5.5 million years, which means a lot can brew beneath the surface...
There is a lake filled with sulphuric water sitting at the bottom. The air inside of the cave contains hydrogen sulfide which carried 100 times the amount of carbon dioxide than the surface. There are 33 unique species of animals and insects that live there. Most people who enter are pretty keen on leaving ASAP.
Ringing Rocks
The "ringing rock" phenomenon can only be found in a number of places around the world. One of the most famous areas of ringing rocks is in Pennsylvania. These rocks send off a high-pitched chime whenever they're hit with an object, such as a hammer or even a drum stick. This is a natural phenomenon that is randomly occurring.
Comparing all of the ringing rock parks around the world, there's no rhyme or reason as to why they exist where they do. There's nothing special about the area to make these rocks sing. It's simply a natural wonder!
Shanay-Timpishka
Along the Amazon is a four-mile-long boiling river that can get to near 200 degrees Fahrenheit. The Amazon forest is wild full of natural wonders, including the Shanay Timpishka river. This is not something you'd want to fall into!
Researchers aren't so sure as to why the river is so hot. The nearest volcano is over 270 miles away, but it's possible that it could play a part into the steamy river. If someone tried to go for a swim, you would most likely be boiled alive.
The Blue Pond of Hokkaido
Hokkaido, Japan is a beautiful place with many sites to see. A particularly popular natural wonder is the Blue Pond. It's a man-made lake that was originally intended to be a reservoir. Researchers believe that the blueness of the lake is due to the aluminum hydroxide particles that are in the water which reflect light.
Lake Anjikuni
Trapper Joe Labelle traveled to an Inuit village in 1930, he was shocked to find the village completely empty. Food was cooking, guns were loaded, and clothing was left hanging to try. The spot that the villagers had called home was along the shore of Lake Anjukuni, and many people visit to try and get a read on what happened to these poor villagers.
The Sargasso Sea
The Sargasso Sea is the only sea on Earth to lack a shoreline. The currents are mainly stagnant. This area is similar to the Bermuda Triangle as many bizarre disappearances have happened in this area. Researchers haven't been able to figure out the weirdness of this sea.
Crooked Forest
There are hundreds of weird pine trees in the Crooked Forest of Poland. These trees were planted in the 1930s and inexplicably grew at a 90-degree angle before taking its upward trajectory. Some people speculate that this was done on purpose, but no one really knows how it would have happened!
The Michigan Triangle
Yes, the "Michigan Triangle" takes its name after the infamous Bermuda Triangle, but it's nos secret as to why. In 1937, Captain George R. Donner disappeared from his cabin on his ship. The door had been locked from the inside, and the porthole remained closed. This happened near a bizarre rock formation that was found at the bottom of the lake.
The Baltic Sea Anomaly
Even though this looks just like Star War's Milennium Falcon, the Baltic Sea Anomoly is quite real. It's a 60m-thick object located 90m deep in the Baltic Sea. Researchers have not confirmed that it's a shipwreck or a natural object, but radar has picked up drag marks on the sandy ocean floor. No one knows what it is.
The Julia Sound
In 1999, the NOAA recorded a bizarre sound deep within the ocean. It sounded like someone was gargling the name "Julia." Scientists have said it was most likely an object ricocheting off of an iceberg, but it's still pretty creepy.
Devil's Pool
Devil's Pool in Australia is one of the most dangerous places to visit. The rocks are slippery, the sightlines are poor, and the water current is unpredictable. Many people have lost their lives here despite countless warnings to not enter the premises. Some locals think that a devil named Oolana lives under the water and lures young people to their deaths.
Sacsayhumán, Peru
Yet another hot spot for Peru. This time, the mystery lies within an ancient site where people used to live thousands of years ago. The masonry is so perfect that engineers and historians are baffled as to how it was made before any technology existed. Some of these walls are so secure that a piece of paper can't even penetrate a crack.
The Devil's Kettle
The Devil's Kettle is a popular hiking spot in Minnesota. The name refers to a waterfall that splits off into two different directions. One fall leads right into another river while the other goes into a deeo abyss. Researchers are uncertain as to where the water leads to, even after tons of research.
Great Blue Hole
The Great Blue Hole is a massive, remote marine "sea hole' off of the coast of Belize. It's 1,000 feet wide and nearly 400 feet deep. This is a popular spot for scuba divers due to its crystal clear waters, valuable marine life, and impressive coral reefs.
Giant's Causeway
Giant's Causeway is a natural wonder on the coast of Northern Ireland. There are nearly 40,000 polygonal columns that were created by volcanic activity. They are made of black basalt and have a pavement-like texture. Local lore says that a giant named Finn McCool threw the chunks of the coast into the sea so that a stepping stone path to Scotland would form.
Eternal Flame Falls
In Chestnut Ridge Park, New York, a methane-fueled fire glows behind some incredible waterfalls. The fire is naturally occuring, but not eternal. Sometimes, wind causes water to splash onto the fire source which diminishes the flames, but it always starts up again once its dry enough! This is another natural wonder.
Easter Island
The mysterious Easter Island Moai heads are one of Earth's greatest mysteries. These figures were erected over 900 years ago and weigh approximately 14 tons. It's unclear how ancient Polynesians carved and placed these statues. Researchers have studied these for decades with no real answers.
Door to Hell
The Door to Hell in Turkmenistan randomly opened up one day nearly 50 years ago. The crater burns day and night and can be seen from miles away. General public belief says that it was created by a Russian natural gas drilling accident where engineers set the area on fire to stop the spread of dangerous gases.
Devil's Tower National Monument
Devil's Tower is a geologic masterpiece in the Black Hills region of Wyoming. This feature is actually made of molten rock that hardened into this giant geometric column. The site is sacred to Native American Tribes and is a popular spot for Native ceremonies as well as rock climbing and hiking.
Coral Castle
One man single-handedly built Coral Castle in Homestead, Florida, over the course of 25 years. He worked on this art installation up until his death in 1951. No heavy or large machinery was used to make these rock fixtures. He cut, moved, and sculpted more than 1,100 tons of coral rock.
Blood Falls
It's not actually blood, but it sure looks like it! This mountain range in Antarctica looks like its spilling out blood when, in reality, it's spilling out iron deposits that oxidise once it reaches the surface. This is basically just a lot of natural rust!
Area 51
Are there aliens at Air Force Area 51? It's hard to say since the government has been so tight-lipped about it! Curious conspiracy theorists have flocked to the outer borders of the facility in hopes of seeing something about of the ordinary. The government has said this area tests air force crafts and not UFOs, but who's to say?
Magnetic Hill
Magnetic Hill in India is an interesting tourist spot that many people don't think to seek out. There is an optical illusion that takes place where the road actually looks like its sloping uphill. In reality, it's sloping downhill, but it feels like you're going uphil even if you don't have your foot on the gas.
Lake Natron
Lake Natron in Tanzania is also kown as the Petrifying Lake. The temperature of the water can reach up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit and its pH level is 10.5, meaning its super acidic. The water is so caustic that it can burn your skin.
Lake Hillier
This isn't photoshop; Lake Hillier in Australia is really bubblegum pink! Researchers believe that algae, bacteria, and other chemical reactions caused the waters to turn pink. It's safe for swimming and there are plenty of fish who live there!
Lake Abraham
Lake Abraham in Alberta, Canada hosts some of the coolest sights in North America. In the warmer months, the lake is a beautiful shade of blue. During the winter, the water freezes up and, in turn, the methane gas produced under the water gets frozen as well. The lake looks like a giant acrylic painting!
Island of the Dolls
The Island of the Dolls in Mexico is an incredibly haunting island deep in the Mexican swamp forest. It's in the canals of the Xochimilco neighborhood near Mexico City and can only be visited via boat. The island's caretaker became haunted by guilt after he was unable to save a little girl who drowned nearby. He decorated the island with baby dolls in her honor. Now, his nephew manages the island.
The Great Pyramid of Giza
The Great Pyramid of Giza has been a natural wonder for thousands of years. It's one of the most visited tourists sites on Earth. People are baffled at the sheer size of this creation and how people were able to build it with aboslutely no modern tools or machinery.
Sea of Stars
In Vaadhoo Island, Maldives, bioluminescent microorganisms called dinoflagellates emit a bluish glow when they're disturbed. The light is so bright that it's a common spot for people to gather and take pictures. It's called the Sea of Stars because, sometimes, it's so beautiful that it rivals the starry night sky.
Salar de Uyuni
The salt flats of Bolivia look aboslutely surreal on the right day. The flats extend for 4,000 square miles, and when it rains, it the ground looks like endless sky.
Roswell, New Mexico
Roswell, New Mexico is another popular alien site. A UFO supposedly crashed there in 1947 after a ranch worker found remains of what was thought to be an aircraft. The city has become a total tourist spot and is literally outer space themed.
Roanoke Island
The lost colony is Roanoke Island is one of the most popular historical mysteries of all-time. A group of British settlers made Roanoke Island home but were left struggling to survive. John Smith left to go get supplies and returned a few years later to a completely empty colony. The only clue was the word "Croatoan" carved onto a tree. The settlers were never found.
Richat Structure
The Richat Structure is also known as the Eye of the Sahara. It's a 30-mile-wide bulls-eye-looking feature that can be seen from NASA's space stations! Researchers initially thought that it was a meteor impact site but now believe it's just from erosion.
The Racetrack
The Racetrack in Deathy Valley is not a spot where people race cars. These rocks appear all over Death Valley with track marks trailing behind them. It may look like they are moving on their own, but Death Valley actually gets super cold at night and the ground ices over which causes the rocks to move.
Plain of Jars
There are nearly 2,000 large stones scattered across a plateau in Laos. Some of them are over 10 feet tall! They all have holes in the middle making them resemble jars. Archaeologists estimate that the jars are around 2,000 years old.
Pine Gap
Pine Gap is basically Area 51 of Australia. It's a satellite surveillance base operated by the US and Australian governments smack in the middle of the outback. Naturally, there have been UFO and alien sightings in the area.
Papakolea Beach
Papakolea Beach is a beach in Hawaii where the grains of sand have tons of different hues. THis is on the Big Island of Hawaii. It's also known as Green Sand Beach because, from far away, the sand has a green hue. It isn't until you can take a closer look and realize that the sand is different colors.
Moeraki Boulders
On a desolate beach in New Zealand lay 65 million-year-old boulders. According to local Maori legend, the boulders are "gourds" washed ashore from a canoe that wrecked in the ocean. It's an interesting theory!
Marfa Lights
For more than 100 years, travelers have reported bizarre lights just outside the town of Marfa, Texas. These lights usually appear as bright, floating orbs. The town celebrates the lights every year at the annual Marfa Lights Festival. No one is sure about what they are!