Biosphere II

Biosphere II

Science & Technology, first prize singles

1990

The Arizona desert storm has no effect on conditions inside Biosphere II, a prototype space colony built with future colonization of Mars in mind. It contains five eco-systems; savannah, desert, marshland, tropical rain-forest and even an ocean. The crew, eight men and women, will spend two years sealed off from the outside world. Their research and efforts to maintain an ecological balance in Biosphere II are expected to yield data both valuable for future manned space exploration, and scientists and ecologists.

Location: Arizona, USA

Photo Credit: Peter Menzel

Peter Menzel is a freelance photojournalist known for his coverage of international feature stories on science and environment. His award-winning photographs have been published in GEO, Stern, Le Figaro, Der Speigel, Paris Match, Focus, Muy Interesante, El Pais, National Geographic, Smithsonian, The New York Magazine and Time. He has received a number of World Press and Picture of the Year awards.