Biosphere 2 The Series...Part 1

[leonaashlee]

Since I am not Linda, whose threads we all love and admire, and in order to tell those of who have never heard of Biosphere 2, I copied a bit of information about it... more with each thread...

It wasn't many years ago that Biosphere 2, nestled in the foothills of Arizona's Santa Catalina Mountains about 30 miles north of Tucson, was the laughing stock of scientific research. Biosphere 2 Center has become a major tourist attraction in the Tucson area.

Built in the late 1980s with $150 million in funding from Texas oil magnate Edward Bass, Biosphere 2 was designed as an airtight replica of Earth's environment (Biosphere 1). This 7,200,000-cubic-foot sealed glass and space-frame structure contains 5 biomes, including a 900,000-gallon ocean, a rain forest, a desert, agricultural areas and a human habitat.

Some of the early designers and managers were interested in space travel and the possibility of colonizing the Moon or Mars. By building Biosphere 2 and sealing people inside, they hoped to learn what problems would arise from living in a closed system. So it was that in 1991, a colony of 8 people set about to live inside Biosphere 2 for two years.

[dvetter]

Leona, very interesting! Had never heard of this before today..amazing looking forward to more of this series. Great shots! Lots of shapes and angles I like them all.

[jakethepig]

Wow what an interesting place. I love all your pictures of it. Great idea to use the gorgeous blue sky to highlight the structure and some fantastic angles too. These are all excellent photographs and I can't wait to see more of this fascinating place. Thank you for taking me with you and for the history. Lovely work Leona.

David DH

[SoxAddict]

Beautiful set Leona! I love the perspectives, lines, bright blue skies that you've captured. And the colorful reflections of people in the 3rd shot is a great touch!

[fstopMike]

Beautiful shots, Leona! I love the architectural details set off against the blue sky. I just don't think I could be sealed up inside a building for 2 years....can you say Cabin Fever??

[sheltiesmama]

These are absolutely beautiful Leona. And, LOL, that would be just like a rich Texan who had nothing better to do with his money. I also seem to remember some comedy movie about someone getting locked into a biosphere. I'll have to look that up. Looking forward to more of these shots.

[Bernzfotos]

WoW - what an interesting topic - great shots you have here - perfect place for a photographer. Cheers, Bernz

[Angelb]

What an interesting place thanks for the info. I like the different lines and the contrast of the blue sky against the white structure is great.

[Steves Shots]

Wow! nice captures Leona, very interesting architecture, love hoe you have captured this unusual structure, thanks for sharing, cheers Steve.

[lindyannajones]

Hi Leona...Gosh...thanks. How well I remember the media circus surrounding the Biosphere, before, during and after. It seems to have evolved into an important scientific establishment with much to contribute to our understanding of closed systems. Your photos, Leona, are some of the best I have ever seen of this building! I couldn't pick a favorite if my life depended on it--they are all so, so good! I wish they had your shots on their brochures!