Enjoying the view over the burning crater of Darvasa, also known as the 'Gates to Hell.'

Atlas Obscura Highlights: Hell and Earth

The Brian Lehrer Show | May 16, 2018

Ella Morton, Atlas Obscura's senior editor and co-author of Atlas Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the World's Hidden Wonders (Workman Publishing Company, 2016), joins us each day during the pledge drive to talk about some of her favorite hidden gems from the Atlas Obscura trove.

Today's recs: near: the New York Earth Room, and far: The Gates of Hell, in Turkmenistan.

Plus: Here's a link with some info about the Chernobyl trip Ella recommended on the air.

Today's destination: "The Gates of Hell" -- a flaming hole in Turkmenistan. It's not a volcano, it's the result of an industrial accident, says @ellamorton.
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) May 16, 2018

Today's local, @atlasobscura-recommended destination is the New York Earth Room in Soho, on Wooster St. It's an art installation that has been here since 1977. Check it out (or go visit!): https://t.co/hDnu1jXXcB
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) May 16, 2018

"I just like the audacity of having this huge floor in SoHo where the rents must be astronomical, and just filling it with dirt," says @ellamorton (the artist is Walter De Maria).
— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) May 16, 2018

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

WNYC Homepage - Top Stories

Jack Schlossberg, the Kennedy Running for Congress in New York. Plus, the Astronaut Reid Wiseman

The candidate on the role of social media in politics, and speaking out against his cousin R.F.K., Jr. Plus, the commander of NASA’s Artemis II mission on the dark side of the moon.

The New Yorker Radio Hour |

NJ Gov. Sherrill: If state police were too aggressive at Delaney Hall, we'll look into it

New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill took call after call Wednesday night from people who told her state police had been overly aggressive in violent clashes with protesters outside the Delaney Hall immigration detention center this weekend.

Ask Governor Sherrill |

I.C.E.'s "Wartime Recruitment" Campaign

Hiring at the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency.

On the Media |

Ask the Mayor Recap and More News From City Hall

Elizabeth Kim discusses the issues Mayor Mamdani talked about in his first "ask the mayor" segment.

The Brian Lehrer Show |