A New Brunswick writer is set to have her literary works showcased on the lunar surface. Jennifer Shelby’s compilation of short stories, titled “Borrowed Wings and other stories,” will be part of the Lunar Codex initiative, a collection of cultural pieces from worldwide origins, launched through NASA’s Artemis project.
Instead of physically placing the book on the moon, the content will be inscribed onto materials like quartz squares or nickel layers, akin to the format of microfilm but with a metal-based solution. This innovative approach merges artistic expression with scientific ingenuity, a concept conceived by Samuel Peralta, a Canadian physicist and author who developed NanoFiche technology and established the Lunar Codex six years ago to uplift artists affected by the pandemic.
Peralta shared that the Lunar Codex encompasses contributions from 264 countries and territories, including representatives from 156 Indigenous nations. The initiative collaborates with lunar landing companies that offer space for private buyers to place items on the moon, with costs amounting to $1 million per kilogram. Utilizing nickel for the artworks ensures their preservation for billions of years in the lunar environment.
Shelby, known for crafting modern fairytales, views the inclusion of her work in the Lunar Codex as a real-life enactment of her imaginative narratives. Her stories, characterized by magical elements, reflect her inherent creativity and fascination with wonder. Peralta’s initial contact with Shelby in 2022 sought permission to immortalize her book on the moon, a request facilitated by a mutual acquaintance, averting any initial surprise from the unexpected proposal.
After several years and delays, Shelby’s story is slated for inclusion in the upcoming Lunar Codex mission this winter. Despite the passage of time, the anticipation of seeing her work in this celestial archive continues to evoke a sense of awe within her. The moon holds a special allure for Shelby, especially from her vantage point in Riverside-Albert near the Bay of Fundy, renowned for its pristine night skies.
Reflecting on the lunar connection, Shelby envisions crafting a tale inspired by the idea of tardigrades, microscopic creatures inadvertently introduced to the moon during a crash landing incident in 2019. Contemplating the evolution of these resilient organisms and their potential interaction with human stories, Shelby muses about the intriguing possibilities that lie beyond our terrestrial boundaries.