A talented writer from New Brunswick is set to have her literary works showcased on the lunar surface soon. Jennifer Shelby’s compilation of short stories, titled “Borrowed Wings and other stories,” will be part of the Lunar Codex, a collection of cultural pieces from around the world launched through NASA’s Artemis program.
Rather than simply placing the physical book on the moon’s surface, the stories will be stored using innovative technology similar to microfilm but metal-based. This unique method was conceptualized by Samuel Peralta, a Canadian physicist and author who initiated the Lunar Codex six years ago to uplift artists affected by the pandemic.
Peralta shared that the Lunar Codex boasts contributions from 264 countries and territories, including 156 Indigenous nations. Private buyers are offered space on the moon for a hefty price, with one kilogram costing $1 million. The artworks are downsized and stored on nickel due to its durability, ensuring longevity for billions of years on the moon.
Shelby’s inclusion in the Lunar Codex feels like a narrative from one of her own stories coming to life. Her writing, described as modern-day fairytales, has been featured in various publications. The author expressed excitement about this opportunity, noting that the magical essence in her stories mirrors her creative imagination.
After a series of delays, Shelby’s work is scheduled for the upcoming winter mission. Despite having time to acclimate to the idea, the thought of her stories traveling to the moon still evokes wonder in her. Living in Riverside-Albert near the Bay of Fundy, known for its dark skies, adds to the surreal experience of contemplating her work in space.
Inspired by this extraordinary event, Shelby is already musing on a new story idea. Recalling a news article about tardigrades inadvertently released on the moon, she humorously pondered the possibility of these microscopic creatures evolving to read human stories one day.
