A writer from New Brunswick is set to have her literary works showcased on the moon. Jennifer Shelby’s compilation of short stories, titled “Borrowed Wings and other stories,” is slated to be part of the Lunar Codex project through NASA’s Artemis program. Shelby expressed her excitement, mentioning that just gazing at the moon now fills her with a sense of joy.
Rather than simply depositing physical books on the moon’s surface, the Lunar Codex employs innovative technology that involves etching content onto durable materials like quartz and nickel, making them readable under a microscope. This approach, referred to as NanoFiche technology, was created by Samuel Peralta, a physicist and author from Canada who conceptualized the Lunar Codex to uplift artists affected by the pandemic.
Peralta shared that the Lunar Codex encompasses a wide array of creative works from 264 countries and territories, including contributions from 156 Indigenous nations. Private entities can purchase space on lunar landers to transport items to the moon, with Peralta noting that the cost is $1 million per kilogram. The decision to use nickel for archiving purposes is based on its longevity, capable of enduring for billions of years in the lunar environment.
Shelby’s inclusion in the Lunar Codex is a dream come true, mirroring the enchanting narratives she crafts. Describing her writing as modern-day fairytales, Shelby’s stories have been published in various publications. Peralta initially reached out to Shelby in 2022 seeking authorization to immortalize her work on the moon, a request she gladly accepted.
After a few years of preparation and some delays, Shelby’s work is primed for its lunar journey this winter. Despite having time to acclimate to the concept, Shelby admitted to feeling a mix of awe and disbelief. Living in Riverside-Albert near the Bay of Fundy, renowned for its pristine night skies, Shelby finds the idea of her stories traveling to the moon surreal yet inspiring.
Contemplating the potential impact of her work on future lunar inhabitants, Shelby whimsically mused about the possibility of tardigrades evolving to read human stories. This upcoming milestone has already sparked new creative ideas in Shelby’s mind, hinting at a story inspired by the intriguing intersection of literature and lunar exploration.