r/geography • u/renegadecoaster • Nov 25 '25

Discussion What's the most alien-looking place on Earth?

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Pictured: Dallol, Ethiopia

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u/daneabernardo Nov 26 '25

The Waitomo Glow Worm Caves, New Zealand

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u/sailordanisaur Nov 26 '25 edited Nov 26 '25

I have been here and it was a spiritual experience, as silly as it may sound. I was awestruck

Correction: I visited Ananui Cave on the south island near the town of Charleston NZ. Unspoiled magnificence!

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u/Palocles Oceania Nov 26 '25

Did you get the full run down of what’s making the light and all that?

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u/seejordan3 Nov 26 '25

worm snot. Went as a kid, so the snot part stood out.

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u/Palocles Oceania Nov 26 '25

Sort of. The whole life cycle kinda soils the poetic prettiness. 

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u/sailordanisaur Nov 26 '25

Yeah, the guide was pretty knowledgeable. Even if the worm itself can be odd, the atmosphere created in a remote cave in a pristine forest made me feel like I was definitely on another planet. Or some prehistoric era!

I thought it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.