📍 Tucson | Biosphere

1. Last Sunday, I set off from Phoenix at 11 o'clock and drove for two hours to reach Biosphere 2. Before going there, I did some research on its background knowledge, which made my visit really interesting! 😊🚗📚 It was truly fascinating to explore the place with that prior understanding, as it added so much more depth to the whole experience. 😎🌍🌟 2. 🌍 Essential Knowledge 1. Origin of the Name: "Biosphere 1" refers to the Earth, and this place is named "Biosphere 2". In 1991, eight scientists lived in it self-sufficiently for two years. They were simulating the Earth's environment to study the feasibility of space colonization. 😃🔬🌏 It was a remarkable experiment that aimed to provide valuable insights for future space exploration. 😊🚀💡 2. Ecological Zones: There are rainforests, deserts, mangrove forests, an artificial ocean, and an agricultural area. It's like traveling around the world in just a few minutes! 😎🌳🌊 The variety of these zones showcases different ecosystems and how they interact within this closed environment. 😃🗺️🌴 3. Oxygen Crisis: The soil microorganisms consumed too much oxygen, causing the oxygen concentration to drop to 14%. The residents felt dizzy and got out of breath after just a few steps. Eventually, they had to secretly add oxygen. 😊😵‍💫💨 This was a significant challenge they faced during their stay and had a major impact on their daily lives. 😎🤕🌬️ 4. Food Shortage: The harvest was poor, and on average, the residents lost 20 kilograms. The strangest food they ate was an "ice cream" made from goat milk and sugarcane residue. 😃🥛🍨 It must have been a tough situation when it came to finding enough food to sustain themselves. 😊🍽️😣 5. Cockroach Dominance: Most of the bees and other organisms died, but cockroaches and ants multiplied rapidly. 😎🐜🪳 This imbalance in the ecosystem was quite unexpected and had its own consequences for the living conditions inside. 😃🪰🦗 6. Sealed Glass Building: Even the air and water circulation were strictly controlled, which is really unique. 😊🧊💧 This tight control was essential to maintain the simulated environment but also added to the complexity of the experiment. 😎🔐🌡️ 7. Stories and Anecdotes: There were conflicts within small groups among the residents, as well as emotional entanglements. 😃👥💔 These human aspects added another layer of complexity to their two-year stay in this enclosed space. 😊📜🗣️ 8. Scientific Research: Now it's managed by the University of Arizona and is used for research on climate change, agriculture, and water resources. 😎📈🌾 It continues to contribute to important scientific studies and our understanding of various aspects related to our planet. 😃🔍💧 9. Artificial Ocean: It's one of the largest artificial oceans in the world. 😊🌊🌍 This artificial ocean plays a crucial role in mimicking certain marine-related aspects of the Earth's environment. 😎🐟🌊 10. Construction Cost and Media: It cost over 150 million dollars. The documentary "Spaceship Earth" has filmed it, and some people jokingly call it the "human zoo". 😃💵🎬 The high cost reflects the complexity and ambition of the project, while the media coverage has brought it to the attention of a wider audience. 😊📺🦁 3. ✨ Tips • Part of the tour is outdoors, so it's advisable to arrive early and take your time exploring. 😎🌞🚶 This way, you can fully enjoy all the different areas without feeling rushed. 😃🗺️🌳 • The greenhouse has high humidity, so wearing light clothes will make you more comfortable. 😊👚💨 You'll be able to move around more freely and focus on the exhibits rather than being bothered by the humidity. 😎👕🌡️ • If you're interested, watch the documentary "Spaceship Earth" first. With the story background in mind, you'll have a more immersive experience. 😃🎬📽️ It can really enhance your understanding and appreciation of what you'll see during your visit. 😊🎞️🌟 4. I spent about an hour touring the whole place. I thought those scientists had a really tough time! Living in that "hell on earth" for two years and having to deal with cockroaches every day... They must have gone crazy! It's fun to hear the stories now, but I'm sure they couldn't laugh about it back then. 😊😫🪳 Nevertheless, overall, I still highly recommend it. It's just a pity that I didn't take enough pictures! 😎📷😔 #Phoenix #TucsonTravel