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Map
of this Destination Provided by  |
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This non-profit research and education center
was created to better understand Biosphere 1.....our
planet Earth. Inside this unique structure, researchers are working
to understand how increased carbon dioxide in our atmosphere will affect
us and the world we live in.
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Biosphere 2 contains five biomes. Inside you will
find a lush rainforest (the sky flowers were really beautiful), an arid
desert, a savanna, a marsh and a 25-foot ocean which contains a million
gallons of salt water.
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There are more than 3,000 species of living organisms
here and even a waterfall. Much to our disappointment, the waterfall
isn’t viewable on the tours.
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Connie, our guide on this tour, was very knowledgeable.
As we toured the Center, she provided us with current and background
data.
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Biosphere 2 covers just over three acres, is 91
feet tall at its highest point and is sealed off from Earth below by
a 500-ton welded stainless steel liner. The air, soil and water are
constantly being monitored by a host of instruments.
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The docent led tour starts at the Orientation Center
and encompasses the Test Module (the prototype building), the Demonstration
Laboratories, the Biosphere Theater and the Biosphere Habitat (once
living quarters during an experiment).
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There’s even an underwater viewing area where you
can see corals and fish in this living ocean laboratory.
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The two white, domed structures to the side of
the Biosphere are variable air-volume control devices or "lungs".
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The Observatory has a telescope, which features
an optical design similar to the Hubble Space Telescope. Public viewing
is available monthly. For information and a schedule, call 520-896-6200.
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Also located on this complex are exhibitions, restaurants,
gift shops and even a hotel and conference center.
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There is a new "Under The Glass" tour, which is
of a more technical nature and requires an additional fee. Due to on-going
research, this tour has some restrictions. Check with your tour guide
for further information.
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To get to the Biosphere, take Highway 77 North
out of Tucson and turn right at Mile Marker 96.5.
Cost of the general tour is $12.95 for adults. Additional information can be obtained by logging onto www.bio2.edu. |
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