A writer from New Brunswick will soon see her literary work featured on the moon. Jennifer Shelby’s anthology, “Borrowed Wings and other stories,” will be part of the Lunar Codex project, an initiative under NASA’s Artemis program that archives cultural creations from around the world.
Rather than simply placing physical books on the lunar surface, the Lunar Codex utilizes a unique technology similar to microfilm but metal-based. This innovative approach involves engraving texts on materials like quartz or nickel, ensuring longevity for billions of years on the moon.
The brainchild behind the Lunar Codex is Samuel Peralta, a physicist and author from Canada. Peralta established the collection six years ago to uplift artists during the pandemic, incorporating artworks from 264 countries, 156 Indigenous nations, and diverse cultural backgrounds.
Private entities can purchase space on lunar missions to place objects on the moon, with the cost of one kilogram amounting to $1 million. Peralta’s choice of nickel for archiving artworks not only serves cost-effectiveness but also guarantees the durability of the pieces for eons on the lunar surface.
Shelby, known for her contemporary fairytale-like narratives, expressed excitement about her work being included in the Lunar Codex. Her writing, featured in various publications, resonates with themes of wonder and imagination, reflecting her creativity.
After a four-year wait, Shelby’s story is set for launch this winter, fulfilling a dream that seemed surreal to her. The prospect of her work reaching the moon from her home near the Bay of Fundy fills her with awe, sparking inspiration for future storytelling endeavors.
Reflecting on the potential impact of her work beyond Earth, Shelby ponders the evolution of tardigrades on the moon and envisions a future where these microscopic creatures might one day engage with human stories, adding an extra layer of wonder to her journey as an author.