21.10.13 09:34 AM

These could be pictures of another planet or the set of a science fiction movie. But it is in fact an amazing phenomenon created by accident in the middle of the Nevada Desert.The otherworldly images show Fly Geyser, a little-known attraction described as one of the most beautiful sights in the state. Located 20 miles north of Gerlach, in Washoe County , it was accidentally created in 1916 during well drilling.The geothermally heated pack of water found a weak spot in the wall in the 1960s and began escaping, creating a geyser. Over the years, dissolved minerals created the mound that water now spews up to five meters. The geyser contains several terraces discharging water into 30 to 40 pools over an area of 30 hectares (74 acres). Multi-colored: The rainbow effect is created by minerals in the water reacting with oxygen in the air. These ponds are forming an ecosystem, with small fish and birds such as swans and mallards enjoying the geyser.David Jamison, who gives tours to the geyser said: 'I'd like to see more people be able to enjoy it. 'When I saw it for the first time it wasn't this big. This whole area's kind of magic, there's no airplanes here or cars. It's just peaceful and quiet, all these beautiful mountains around and the sound of the water.'