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Formed approximately 52,000 years ago by a meteor impact, Lonar Lake in Maharashtra stands as one of nature's hidden gems. This extraordinary crater was created by a meteor weighing 2 million tons, travelling at an estimated speed of 90,000 kmph. Although thousands of meteors plummet towards Earth annually, none have resulted in a formation quite like Lonar Lake.
From an aerial view, Lonar Lake might appear as just another body of water. However, this near-perfect oval lake is one of the only two natural craters in the world formed entirely from basalt, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock. Its waters are uniquely seven times saltier than seawater, adding to its mystique.
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For centuries, Lonar Crater remained one of Maharashtra's best-kept secrets. Located about 170 km from Aurangabad and 550 km from Mumbai, the lake was virtually unknown. The path to the lake was treacherous, with slippery terrain and banks believed to be quicksand swamps, deterring exploration.
It wasn't until 1823, nearly 200 years ago, that British explorer JE Alexander stumbled upon the crater while researching the region's ancient temples. He discovered many dilapidated temples and a unique ecology within the crater, distinct from the surrounding flat landscape. Despite this, scientists initially believed the crater to be volcanic, given its location on the Deccan plateau, known for its volcanic origins.
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Local lore offers a more mythical origin for Lonar Lake, suggesting it was formed when the demon Lonasura, who tormented locals, was vanquished by Lord Vishnu and thrust into the netherworld with immense force. This legend highlights the lake's cultural significance, alongside its scientific intrigue.
Known as the ‘Bowl of Mysteries,’ Lonar Lake is surrounded by numerous unanswered questions and speculations. This meteorite enigma has drawn the attention of scientists, astronomers, geologists, ecologists, and even NASA.
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Another intriguing mystery is the malfunctioning of compasses near the lake. Visitors frequently discover their compasses either stop working or display significant deviations. This anomaly is attributed to unusual electromagnetic waves interacting with electrical equipment, possibly due to the lake's meteor impact origin.
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From a scientific standpoint, it is nearly impossible for a lake to be both alkaline and saline simultaneously. However, Lonar Lake defies this convention. The lake features two distinct sections that remain separate: an outer neutral region and an inner alkaline region, each supporting unique flora and fauna. This extraordinary characteristic has led to extensive research by NASA and the Geological Survey of India.
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NASA has observed similarities between the volcanic basalt in the crater and the craters on the moon's surface. The presence of specific rock minerals, like micro breccias and glass spherules, highlights parallels to lunar geology. Furthermore, a newly discovered bacterial strain at the lake's site resembles one found on Mars.
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In 2020, Lonar Lake underwent a dramatic transformation when its water turned pink, baffling observers. The phenomenon prompted government-ordered studies. Some scientists attribute the colour change to algae, increased salinity, or a microbe called Halobacteriaceae, known for its pink hue.
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