Dr. Steven Benner to Address Viking Missions and Possible Mars Life at 2026 Convention
Renowned astro-biochemist Dr. Steven Benner will present his new book at the 2026 Mars Society Convention, suggesting the Viking missions may have detected life on Mars.
The Mars Society has announced that Dr. Steven Benner, a leading astro-biochemist, will deliver a keynote speech at the 2026 International Mars Society Convention. The event will take place from October 22 to 24 at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.
In his talk, Dr. Benner will discuss his new book, Meet the Neighbors, which re-examines the findings of NASA’s Viking missions. He argues that the spacecraft, which was the first to search specifically for life on Mars, may have actually detected it. The book explores why the mission’s results were initially dismissed and how the search for current life on Mars was delayed for many years.
Dr. Benner will also outline strategies for searching for life in potential Martian refugia, such as caves, subsurface ice, and salt deposits. These environments could potentially support microbial life. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Dr. Benner and purchase signed copies of his book during a book signing session.
The 2026 convention will bring together scientists, engineers, astronauts, and space enthusiasts to discuss the future of Mars exploration and settlement. Additional details about the event, including registration, are available at convention.marssociety.org.
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