There's a lot to be excited about on Mars, it's true. But Teslas in space aside, very few talk about what it really means to build a settlement on another planet: we're asking female astronauts to give birth and raise babies on Mars. And we don't entirely know what's going to happen when they do. Some fantastic and weird new scientific research is starting to shed light on that problem – mostly by hurling pregnant rodents into space – but a lot like the knowledge gap around women's health here on Earth, we actually aren't sure how those intrepid space frontierswomen will fare. We do know that Mars only has 38% of Earth's gravity. We do know that radiation is bad. And we know that the human body has long evolved to live – and make babies – on Earth. So what might it really look like to be pregnant, give birth, and nurse babies on Mars? And how can we help these poor women?

Join New York Times bestselling authors Cat Bohannon and Kelly Weinersmith for a science comedy fashion show, where models and dancers will present new wearables on a hilarious, science-focused catwalk. Each piece is designed in collaboration with Cat, Kelly, and a prominent feminist artist, using the latest cutting-edge scientific research to model what pregnant and postpartum bodies might really need to make it on Mars.

The wearables and artworks for Moms on Mars are conceived and created by a team of feminist artists and scientists including Cat, Kelly, Zach Weinersmith, Lucy McRae, Erika Moen, Jenna Woolf, Ani Liu, and Hazel Lee Santino.

Copies of Eve by Cat Bohannon and A City on Mars by Kelly Weinersmith and Zach Weinersmith will be available for purchase onsite from the MIT Press Bookstore. Kelly and Cat will be available for book signings after the show.

This program is intended for audiences 18 and older.

This program is presented as part of Cambridge Science Festival. The MIT Museum is free during the Cambridge Science Festival.

Interested in attending? Letting us know is strongly encouraged!

You’ll be the first to receive reminders and other details for this event. Please note that signing up does not reserve a seat. Seating is first come, first served; please arrive early. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to start time.