A writer from New Brunswick is set to have her literary work 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 project, which is a collection of cultural pieces from various regions worldwide, initiated through NASA’s Artemis program.
Shelby expressed her excitement, mentioning how gazing at the moon now brings her immense joy. However, her book will not be simply left on the moon’s surface. The concept involves transforming literary works into minuscule imprints on durable materials like nickel, resembling the idea of inscribing entire texts like the Bible on quartz squares.
The mastermind behind this innovative approach is Samuel Peralta, a Canadian physicist and writer, who developed NanoFiche technology and established the Lunar Codex. Peralta emphasized the inclusivity of the project, highlighting its representation of 264 countries and territories along with 156 Indigenous nations.
Private entities can purchase space on lunar missions to place items on the moon, with the cost amounting to $1 million per kilogram. Peralta’s decision to miniaturize artworks on nickel stems from its long-lasting durability on the lunar surface for billions of years.
The Lunar Codex currently has ten missions planned, with five already launched. Jennifer Shelby’s work is slated to be included in the upcoming mission this winter. For Shelby, seeing her stories archived in the Lunar Codex mirrors the fantastical elements present in her literary creations, which she describes as modern fairytales.
Peralta’s initial contact with Shelby in 2022 seeking permission to immortalize her book on the moon eventually led to her inclusion in the Lunar Codex. Despite the delays, Shelby is eagerly anticipating the winter launch of her story. Reflecting on the surreal experience from her home near the Bay of Fundy, Shelby finds inspiration in the moon’s presence, sparking ideas for future tales.
With thoughts of potential evolution of life forms like tardigrades on the moon, Shelby envisions a future where these creatures might one day engage with human stories.