Elsewhere in Buryatia, close to Lake Baikal, there are reports of other strange sightings.

Siberian night sky illuminated by launch from Baikonur in Kazakhstan.

More craters expected to form due to such eruptions as permafrost melts - and they ARE caused by global warming releasing methane gas.

Scientist Vladimir Surdin believes 'silver clouds' were the cause of the multi-coloured night sky witnessed by thousands of people.

Culture on edge of Siberia was 'as advanced' as in Middle East, then considered to be the apex of development.

As usual there is outlandish speculation about an alien visit, but there is genuine puzzlement and disagreement among experts over the mystery object.

Haunting beauty of massive hole as scientists examine frozen lake formed after giant blowout.

Dating back 40,000 years to the Denisovan species of early humans, new pictures show beauty and craftsmanship of prehistoric jewellery.

Mysterious 'gigantic' hole in remote region spotted by helicopters over gas-rich Yamal peninsula.