Biosphere 2

We did a tour of Biosphere 2 in the desert north of Tucson, AZ. This was the site of two missions, one lasting 2 years and one ending after 6 months, between 1991 and 1994. In the first, 8 Biospherians lived inside the sealed glass enclosure to measure survivability. In the second, 7 lived there until the experiment was ended after 6 months. Everyone survived and was healthier on exit, though they were tired and hungry we were told, for the entire time. The tallest part was the library and apparently rarely used as the residents were so tired that climbing the spiral staircase was too exhausting to do on a regular basis. It's now a huge research complex (it has within it, a rainforest, ocean, desert, residential quarters, kitchen, etc.).
An interesting article on its history and current use: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/biosphere-2-the-once-infamous-live-in-terrarium-is-transforming-climate-research/

[Suzanne]

That tour must have been really interesting. I had a little pang of envy!! Great shot, especially in b&w with all the facets and contrasts.

[Joanne Diochon]

Fascinating back story. Have to read more. Why were they so tired? Poor nutrition?

[Taffy]

@gardencat Yes. Not enough calories for their labor and microbes in farm using oxygen that they hadn’t predicted.

[Jeremy Cross]

How interesting

[Beryl Lloyd]

Amazing structures - beautifully captured in b/w . Fascinating narrative ! fav

[Nigel Rogers]

Fab story, i remember reading about this a while back. Great mono shot too.

[Lou Ann]

Great photo! It’s been so long since this was going on I forgot the details.

[KV]

Wow! What a story this place has seen. Nice tones and very cool find.

[Elyse Klemchuk]

This is so neat in the black and white!

[Diane]

Fascinating place and great photo

[Kathy]

I like the curves and facets of the building(s). Fascinating information.

[Delwyn Barnett]

A fascinating place - thanks for the link. It made really interesting reading.

[Joan Robillard]

I remember that

[Jane Pittenger]

Great shapes

[Rick]

Interesting structures and history behind them. great shot.

[Diana]

Fabulous capture of these amazing shapes.

[haskar]

Great b&w capture and beautiful architecture.

[Annie D]

what an amazing structure and interesting story - thanks for sharing

[bkb in the city]

Sounds very interesting

[Allison Maltese]

Nice light, good black and white tones and a strong composition.

[Krista Marson]

You gotta read the book written by one of the participants if you haven't already by jane poynter.

[Dianne]

Must’ve been so emotionally difficult to be a participant. Great shot.

[Louise & Ken]

Absolutely incredible! I remember reading about how it would be used back when it was built, but it had dwindled from my memory. @blueberry1222 thanks for the heads -up regarding the book. Should be a fascinating read!