biosphere2_001107 ORACLE, ARIZONA -- Sprawled across three acres of sun-drenched high desert sits the eclectic ambiance of
Biosphere 2. This huge glass and metal frame edifice is a product of New Age thinking, doubling as the worlds largest test tube for research into Earths future.This privately funded ecological research project located some 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of Tucson, conjures up a bizarre image. It is part Noahs Ark, Garden of Eden terrarium, Eco-tourist stop, shopping mall, and an eccentric millionaires out-of-the-city hideaway.
The airtight greenhouse offers 7.2 million cubic feet (203,880 cubic meters) of volume. And if glass walls could talk, you would hear volumes.
Dwelling on the future
Bankrolled by Texas oil billionaire, Edward P. Bass,
Biosphere 2 is a $150 million mini-world meant to mimic Biosphere 1 -- Earth. Biospheres first mission was straightforward, but grand: Probe for new ideas of recycling; better understand the workings of Earths biosphere; and provide clues on how best to build similar habitats on the Moon and Mars.
Most of us remember this high-tech haven as a two-year home-away-from-home for eight "biospherians" from 1991 to 1993.
Four women and four men were stuffed inside the unique eco-pavilion with carefully selected soils, water, plants, animals, fish and insects. Romping between seven ecological zones called "biomes" -- a human habitat, an ocean, a tropical rainforest, a savanna, a marsh and a desert -- the biospherians lived off the land.
More circus than science
However, over the two years, oxygen levels in Biosphere 2 dipped as dangerous levels of nitrous oxide rose. It became tough going for the live-in guests.
Injections of oxygen were pumped into the facility. Emergency food was secretly pushed through airlocks. Tensions between biospherians blossomed. And as crops failed, the skeleton crew of
Biosphere 2 became just that. In 1994, another seven people lived in the structure for six months. But by then, Biospheres mission was seen by outside researchers as more circus than science.
Reclamation project
Breathing new life into Biosphere 2 is Columbia University of New York City.
In 1994 the decision was made to change the goals and objectives from human habitation inside the closed facility to an Earth systems research application. "Were taking this in a different direction," said John Adams, associate director for public outreach.
"Biosphere 2 has been converted into an Earth systems laboratory, divided in such a way as to allow for greater flexibility and usability of the structure itself," Adams told SPACE.com.
In 1996, with a green light from billionaire Bass, the university assumed management of the Biosphere 2 complex and the surrounding 250 acres (101 hectares), Adams said.
The transformation is striking. Science advisory groups help determine the direction and types of research activities done inside the structure.
"One of the things we do relatively well is manipulate either temperature, carbon dioxide, moisture or nutrient levels. We can look at how whole systems respond to those changes and, hopefully, better model fundamental processes," Adams said.
Busy bio-hub
In May of this year, research done at Biosphere 2 has determined that increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the Earths atmosphere may cause more harm to marine coral reef communities than previous research indicated.
Biosphere 2 has become a busy hub for increasing numbers of undergraduate and graduate students from around the world. Relationships with partner institutions, such as Rice University and the University of Notre Dame, have been put in place.
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Earth Semester, Universe Semester, Earth Systems Field School and Summer Biodiversity Institute are innovative educational programs offered at the Biosphere 2 Center campus. Also, new partnerships between industry and government are being established.
Public outreach projects to increase awareness of Earth systems science are in full swing. Thousands of Biosphere 2 visitors each year look in on day-to-day doings. Some stay at a 27-room hotel and conference center that sits on a hill over looking the Biosphere facility.
Heavens above
Just added, on a ridge above the Biosphere 2 campus, a new astronomical observatory provides spectacular views of the heavens above.
Biosphere 2 Center Rainforest.
"With our new 24-inch (507-millimeter) reflector, we can do research-quality work, not just amateur observations," said Karen Vanlandingham, who runs Biosphere 2 astronomy programs in education, research and public outreach.
Variable-star research, Vanlandingham said, is one specific telescopic task for students. Those observations are key to understanding stellar evolution, she said.
The observatory complex is replete with an office and classroom nearby. Students carrying out advanced projects have access to two very large scopes at neighboring Kitt Peak National Observatory, Vanlandingham said.
"Our astronomy programs are designed to show students, as well as the public, that science is challenging and fun," Vanlandingham said.
Looking through telescopes at the heavens above, and studying the Earth below -- Biosphere 2 is open for business in a quest for credibility under glass.
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