A diver prepares to enter the Aquarius habitat.

Located 20 meters beneath the surface of the Atlantic Ocean, next to coral reefs in the Florida Keys, lies the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Aquarius—the world’s only undersea laboratory. Scientists use Aquarius to study our oceans, as astronauts use the International Space Station to study our planet and outer space.

Aquarius aquanauts sponsored an essay contest asking students to describe why they wanted to live underwater in Aquarius for two weeks. The Grand Prize winners have been announced on the Aquarius Web site. In the next few weeks, ten additional runner up prize winners will also be announced.