The Mission

The mission of Biosphere 2 is to advance our understanding of the natural and human-made environment through unique research and experimentation, interdisciplinary science training and education, and leadership in initiatives that address the grand challenges to sustaining Earth systems and quality of life.

Biosphere 2 by the Numbers:

• 3.14 acre research facility
• 7,200,000 cubic feet under sealed glass; 6,500 windows
• 91 feet at highest point
• sealed from the earth below by a 500-ton welded stainless steel liner
• 40-acre campus
• 300,000 sq. ft. of administrative offices, classrooms, labs, conference center, housing
• Elevation is 3,820 feet above sea level
• Over 3,000,000 visitors since 1991
• Over 500,000 K-12 student visitors since 1991

Biomes under Glass