Tucson Biosphere 2, a new experience of simulating the earth

Tucson Biosphere 2, a new experience of simulating the earth. Scientists used the earth as "Biosphere #1" to construct a sealed state to simulate the earth...

Tucson Biosphere 2 is a new experience of simulating the Earth. Scientists use the Earth as "Biosphere #1" and build a sealed laboratory that simulates the Earth's real ecological environment. It is called "Biosphere #2", also known as "Mini Earth". It is located in the desert south of Tucson, Arizona. Texas oil tycoon Edward Bass invested 200 million yuan to establish this laboratory in 1986 to build a large greenhouse for experiments in finding a second planet where humans might live. Eight scientists first moved in on September 26, 1991, and left 21 months later; another seven scientists moved in again on March 6, 1994, but ended in failure 10 months later, and now it has become a tourist attraction. The car was driving in the wilderness of sand dunes. Along the way, there were either sparse cacti and dead grass lying helplessly on the sand dunes, or the desolate yellow sand, abrupt hills and rugged mountains in the distance. "The destination is almost here!" At the reminder of the tour guide, the tourists looked into the distance. A flagpole with three flags flying was inserted into a large stone surrounded by cacti and dune plants. Biosphere #2 was engraved on the stone, and the pattern of the earth was engraved on it. "Biosphere 2" covers an area of ​​1.28 hectares. Its main body and ancillary parts are coated with powder white paint with special ingredients. The main body is a three-dimensional steel structure, sealed with double-layer glass, and looks like an Egyptian pyramid. The other ancillary parts are shaped like a long round white barrel and are the energy center, and those shaped like a hemisphere are air and temperature regulators. The bunker building added to the barrel may be the "residential area" of the year. These buildings on the sand dunes are full of science fiction. Follow the white corridor into the pyramid-shaped glass-reinforced plastic sealed ecological chamber. According to reports, the sealed ecological chamber includes five wildlife communities, namely tropical rainforest, grassland, ocean, swamp and desert. There are 4,000 species in the circle, including animals, plants and microorganisms from Australia, Africa and America. There are two artificial biomes, an agricultural area and a residential area. The residential area is equipped with kitchens, restaurants, dormitories, gyms, bathrooms, libraries, and laboratories. Scientists once lived here. They drank pure water naturally generated by the ecosystem, breathed oxygen released by the plants in the circle, and ate food grown by themselves. Entering the "Tropical Rainforest" area, the strong smell of grass hits your nostrils. The lush trees and shrubs are scattered in an orderly manner. The tall and stacked leaves are swaying, which are reflected in the clear river. The mist often turns into water droplets and drips on the heads of tourists. This is the most vibrant group of wild life in the biosphere. The other groups of objects are extremely desolate, but there is a cactus tree growing in the desert. It is very plump and strong, and it blooms many beautiful flower bulbs, adding color to the desert. Stepping into the "residential area" of the miniature city, the area displays statues and photos of scientists who lived in simple and narrow rooms and offices and concentrated on conducting experiments. These scientific elites were isolated from the outside world in a sealed ring for 21 months. According to statistics, each person lost an average of 24 pounds in two years in order to explore and find a second space for mankind. Their professionalism is admirable. In the laboratory display picture, scientists hold up a large glass ball with their hands, which contains various ecological substances on the earth. This is a "microcosm" of the earth's ecosystem. Scientists use it to demonstrate and test the ecological balance. However, nature's ecosystem is quite complex and difficult to replicate. If any organism cannot maintain balance, it will have unexpected consequences. According to records, due to the imbalance in the ratio of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the biosphere, scientists living in it suffered from insomnia and fatigue, and cockroaches crawled out of dark corners. The originally desolate desert was full of green grass and flowers bloomed; the seawater was sour and smelly, and the Biosphere 2 experiment had to end. Tips: Route: Go southeast from Phoenix to Tucson. It takes about 2 hours to drive. Pass I-17S/US-60E, I-10E, Congress St., Broadway Blvd and turn left into S Scott Ave. You can get there. Opening hours: Open all year round except Thanksgiving and Christmas, from 9 am to 4 pm. Tickets: $20 for adults, $18 for those 62 and older, $18 for AAA members and military dependents, $13 for children six to 12 years old, $10 for University of Arizona employees and students with a voucher. Recommendation: The scenic spot is in a desert area, and the weather is better when visiting from November to February. Phone: 520-838-6200. Website: http://www.b2science.org/. The main building of Biosphere 2.