A closed terrarium is a self-sustaining miniature ecosystem enclosed in a sealed glass container. It typically includes soil, plants, moss, and sometimes decorative elements. The sealed environment creates a natural water cycle, making it a low-maintenance, self-sufficient habitat. These terrariums are visually captivating and educational, showcasing the principles of an ecosystem in a compact form.

A Brief History

The concept of the closed terrarium originated in the early 19th century with Dr. Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward, an English botanist. In 1829, Ward accidentally discovered that plants could thrive in a sealed environment when a fern spore germinated inside a closed glass jar. This led to the creation of the "Wardian case," an early form of the terrarium, which was used to transport plants and protect them from pollution during the Industrial Revolution.

Closed Terrariums and Space Travel

Closed terrariums have significant potential for shaping the future of space travel. They can serve as models for self-sustaining ecosystems in space habitats, offering several benefits:

1. Life Support Systems: They can recycle air, water, and nutrients, creating a balanced and sustainable environment.
2. Psychological Well-being: Green plants and natural elements can reduce stress and enhance mental health for astronauts.
3. Food Production: Principles from closed terrariums can be scaled up for agricultural systems in space, providing renewable food sources.
4. Environmental Monitoring: Studying closed terrariums in space helps understand how ecosystems adapt to extraterrestrial conditions, aiding in the development of resilient space habitats.

Closed terrariums not only bring nature indoors but also hold potential to revolutionize space travel by contributing to sustainable living and well-being in extraterrestrial environments.