A writer from New Brunswick is set to have her literary work showcased on the moon. Jennifer Shelby’s compilation of short stories, titled “Borrowed Wings and other stories,” is slated to be included in the Lunar Codex during the upcoming mission facilitated by NASA’s Artemis program.
Reflecting on this opportunity, Shelby expressed a sense of joy and fulfillment whenever she gazes at the moon. The physical book will not simply be left on the lunar surface but will be preserved using innovative technology. The concept involves engraving cultural works onto materials like quartz or nickel in a minuscule format, reminiscent of microfilm but with a metal base.
The mastermind behind the Lunar Codex project is Samuel Peralta, a Canadian physicist and author, who devised the NanoFiche technology. The Lunar Codex serves as a repository for a diverse array of artistic creations from across the globe, aiming to uplift artists impacted by the pandemic.
Peralta shared that the Lunar Codex has representation from 264 countries and territories, along with 156 Indigenous nations, demonstrating its global reach and inclusivity. Private entities can secure space on the moon through lunar landing companies, with the cost amounting to $1 million per kilogram.
The durability of nickel on the moon, lasting for billions of years, makes it an ideal medium for storing artworks. The Lunar Codex has multiple missions planned, with several already completed. Shelby’s work is scheduled to be part of the forthcoming payload this winter.
For Shelby, the prospect of her work being immortalized in the Lunar Codex mirrors the enchanting essence of her own narratives. Her storytelling, characterized as modern-day fairytales, has garnered recognition in various publications.
Recounting her journey, Shelby mentioned how Peralta initially reached out to her in 2022 seeking permission to include her book in the Lunar Codex. Despite some delays, her story is now on track for inclusion this winter, a surreal experience for the author.
Living in Riverside-Albert near the Bay of Fundy, renowned for its dark skies, Shelby finds solace in gazing at the moon, a source of wonder and inspiration for her creative process. Contemplating the future, she envisions crafting a story inspired by the intriguing event of tardigrades inadvertently released on the moon.
In essence, Shelby’s imminent presence in the Lunar Codex encapsulates a blend of imagination, innovation, and cosmic storytelling on a celestial platform.