Traci Mumford

In Turkmenistan, local lore goes that some 60-plus years ago, Soviet geologists were drilling for oil when they hit a gas deposit.

The ground collapsed, creating a pit, and scientists decided the best thing to do about the toxic fumes leaking out of it was to light them on fire.

They figured it would burn out in a few weeks, but it has kept going.

Over the years, it's become a puzzle for researchers and a draw for adventurous tourists.

Recently, though, it's become clear that the flames in the gates to hell, officially called the Darvaza crater, are not eternal.

A company that monitors natural gas flares says the intensity of heat from the pit is down 75% over the last few years, based on infrared imaging data.

It's not totally clear why.

It's also not clear whether the flames going out is a positive thing or not.

Right now, they are burning off methane that's leaking from the pit, which keeps that greenhouse gas from entering the atmosphere.

So, in theory, if less fire, then more methane emissions.

Now, if all of this has inspired you to consider a trip to the gates to hell, and you're concerned about the fire going out before you can get there, don't worry.

A tour guide told the Times that on a recent trip, it was still hot enough that his group roasted marshmallows over it.

Those are the headlines.

I'm Tracy Mumford.

We'll be back tomorrow.

From The New York Times, it's The Headlines.

I'm Traci Mumford.

Today's Monday, April 13th.

Here's what we're covering.

After almost a full day of closed-door negotiations this weekend in Pakistan, Vice President J.D.