Biosphere 2 & Beyond

Do you remember Biosphere 2?
Nestled just below the Santa Catalina Mountains

the world-renowned Biosphere 2 is one of the

 50 must-see wonders of the world. 

It is a unique research facility used to study ecosystems. 

Azurite & Malachite weighing 2,015 pounds.

 

There are 3.14 glass-enclosed acres. 

Biosphere 2 has been owed by several different groups 

over the years but currently the University of Arizona 

assumed management and was then gifted the facility in 2011. 

Upper & Lower Habitat

Rainforest Biome

The air lock entrance.

The Rainforest Biome

 contains over 90 different plant species, 

some more than 60 feet tall. 

Don't miss the waterfall!

Ocean Biome

You can even take classes here to become
 a certified scuba diver. 

On the other end is a beach and they have a 

wave machine to simulate an ocean.

You also can go downstairs to see below the water.

Desert Biome

You even get to go underground!
Part of the Techno sphere is the massive water deliver
and filtration system. All water is recycled and reused.
It is hard to image all the miles of wiring and tubes.

Down, down, down to the lung area.

The black park is thick rubber so the lung can move.

Our guide opened a side door to show us how the
 air pressure raises and lowers the lung.

Tours are not allowed in the energy center. 

The kitchen is part of the Upper Habitat and living quarters

during the sealed human missions of the early 1990's.

Experiments in the lab.

Plants growing in tubes.

Here is where they tried to grow their food to sustain the crew.
This was one of the many problems they encountered.

Biosphere 2 is a very interesting place.

Back home a Road Runner
on the wall in the back yard.

 Playing Aggravation with friends.

As we look ahead to our summer travels we also have been

 reflecting on our time here in Green Valley. 

  We will miss the great weather, water aerobics, Quail and
Road Runners zipping across the road,
the beauty of the desert and mountains. 

We also have been blessed to find a wonderful church 

and a friendly community that will welcome us back this fall.

 Saguaro's are staring to bloom!

Ask me about this beautiful sunrise and what was I doing 

up at 6:00 am. It is a great God story.

Make new friends, 
but keep the old.
One is silver,
the other gold.

Part of an old Girl Scout song.