The original ecosphere is an elegant and remarkable creation spawned by NASA scientists in the late 1980’s. Dr. Joe Hanson and Dr. Clair Folsome were working on self-sustaining biological systems which could be used for research on prolonged space missions. The goal was to produce a self-contained ecosystem that would replicate the conditions found on Earth. After years of study, the end result was the Ecosphere.
Based solely on NASA’s findings, the Ecosphere is a completely self-sustaining ecosystem. There is no way to open it or to alter its interior environment. It is totally enclosed, and needs no food, water, or maintenance, all it needs is direct or indirect sunlight or artificial light to fuel its amazing biological process.
Utilizing what is scientifically referred to as “biological symbiosis,” Ecospheres are biologically and chemically balanced, self-contained ecosystems requiring no outside attention. Balancing both animal and plant life, Ecospheres demonstrate, on a smaller scale, the interdependence between organisms on Earth. Highly educational, Ecospheres are the perfect addition to any classroom or household study.
But what’s inside an Ecosphere? Here’s the inside information. Contained in each of these beautifully crafted spheres are several key components, each of which are critically important to one another. Active micro-organisms, bright red shrimp, and algae comprise the biological elements whose symbiotic relationship means they could not exist without each other. Their environment is composed of filtered seawater, Gorgonia (a non-living branch-like material), and gravel. Gorgonia and gravel serve as hiding places for the animals and provide the algae and micro-organisms with a stable platform for growth.
Culminating in a perfect biological balance, each Ecosphere is a wonderful example of nature. This is how it works: First, light energy is used by the algae to fuel the photosynthetic process which produces oxygen as a bi-product. Then, using the oxygen, the shrimp produce carbon dioxide, which is used by the algae. The shrimp also produce waste product, which is then utilized by the micro-organisms who break it down into basic nutrients that can be used by the shrimp and algae. It is a perfect circle needing nothing more than light.
It might sound highly scientific, and it is, but it’s essentially a model for what occurs on Earth everyday. Ecospheres are carefully crafted and precisely calculated to reach a state of perfect equilibrium but they are also elegant and beautiful. Aside from the science, Ecospheres are aesthetic in every way, captivating both young and old. The immaculate design of the glass spheres themselves is pleasing to the eye, creating a sleek and symmetric outline for the amazing miniature world inside. The contrast of their inherent complexity upon such a simple design is mesmerizing and will enliven any of its surroundings. Combining science and beauty so uniquely, ecospheres would be a perfect addition to any office or household.
Lasting for three to five years, the life expectancy of Ecospheres varies greatly depending on size, local temperature, and light levels. The oldest Ecosphere is over 8 years old and is still fully functioning. At room temperature in a healthy light, your Ecosphere will flourish and will add a unique and beautiful dimension to whatever setting you decide to place it in for many years.
