A City on Mars: The Science and Absurdities of Space Settlement with Kelly and Zach Weinersmith

About this event

Adults. Join us for an out-of-this-world virtual conversation with New York Times bestselling authors Kelly and Zach Weinersmith as they dive into their book, A City on Mars: Can We Settle Space, Should We Settle Space, and Have We Really Thought This Through? Earth is not well. The promise of starting life anew somewhere far, far away—no climate change, no war, no doomscrolling—beckons, and settling the stars finally seems within our grasp. Or is it? Critically acclaimed, bestselling authors Kelly and Zach Weinersmith set out to write the essential guide to a glorious future of space settlements, but after years of research, they aren’t so sure it’s a good idea. In a world hurtling toward human expansion into space, A City on Mars investigates whether the dream of new worlds won’t create nightmares, both for settlers and the people they leave behind. In the process, the Weinersmiths answer every question about space you’ve ever wondered about, and many you’ve never considered: Can you make babies in space? Should corporations govern space settlements? What about space war? Are we headed for a housing crisis on the Moon’s Peaks of Eternal Light—and what happens if you’re left in the Craters of Eternal Darkness? Why do astronauts love taco sauce? Speaking of meals, what’s the legal status of space cannibalism? With deep expertise, a winning sense of humor, and art from the beloved creator of Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal, the Weinersmiths investigate perhaps the biggest questions humanity will ever ask itself—whether and how to become multiplanetary. Register today to be a part of the discussion! About the Authors: Zach Weinersmith is best known as the cartoonist of the comic Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal. He also co-wrote the bestselling science books Soonish and A City on Mars with his wife, and worked with the artist Boulet to create a children's retelling of the story of Beowulf called Bea Wolf. Dr. Kelly Weinersmith is an adjunct faculty member