Biosphere 2 - University of Arizona

Biosphere 2 is an American Earth system science research facility located in Oracle, Arizona. Its mission is to serve as a center for research, outreach, teaching, and lifelong learning about Earth, its living systems, and its place in the universe. It has five synthetic ecosystems and a living area enclosed in a glass and metal structure. It was built to study the interactions between life systems and to test the feasibility of closed ecological systems for space colonization.

The Biosphere 2 Experience is a self-paced app guided tour that will lead you through the rich history and current research initiatives of this remarkable facility. The Biosphere 2 app should be downloaded prior to arrival in order to get the most out of your visit. The Biosphere 2 Experience will take place both indoors and outdoors.

Visitors should be prepared for the following physical requirements:

• This is a 75-minute walking tour, where you explore Biosphere 2 using your own smartphone and headphones.
• This is an indoor AND outdoor tour
• Approximately 100 stairs, both up and down
• 1-mile route to walk
• Varying weather conditions (Biosphere 2 Biomes are maintained as tropical environments, temperature and humidity inside the facility can reach the high 90’s)