BIOSPHERE 2

Biosphere. Even the name has a science fiction ring to it. The initial goal was to create a contained environment capable of sustaining life. With our world changing, the possibility of the need of such a place has become more probable as well as the exploration of space and the possibility of people living away from the earth.

Biosphere is located in a 250-acre park north of Tucson and around the northwest side of the Catalina Mountains. Many people have told of an eerie sensation as they near the facility. Driving through the lovely high desert you suddenly round a corner and there it is looking a bit like something from a space movie.

Biosphere was constructed in the late 1980's and the first experiment with people living in its 2+ acre mini world was begun in 1991 with 8 people who lived in it for two years. A second such test was run in 1993-1994. They lived in a total world with ocean, rain forest, intensive forestry and desert areas in the mini-system.

In 1996 Columbia University took over the management of Biosphere and has taken the studies into new areas including educational programs for children. Over 13,000 high school students have attended classes designed to teach responsible earth care. Additionally, taking another turn, Columbia University now offers students a full semester astronomy program with the use of its 24" telescope. The clear night skies in Southern Arizona offer the ideal stage for such studies.

Some 200 full and part time staff, including research scientists, educators, administrators and volunteers who are working to educate leaders as well as the public about the care needed to properly tend our fragile planet.

At the present time Biosphere hosts over 180,000 visitors annually. Some 80 docent volunteers lead the tours. Many visitors choose to stay at the hotel on site, enjoy the excellent cuisine in the dining room and take in the tranquil setting with breathtaking mountain views and the amazingly varied Sonoran Desert.

http://www.bio2.com/

 

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