Nineteen years ago this week, the European Space Agency launched its groundbreaking Rosetta mission on March 2^nd 2004. The Rosetta spacecraft and its lander Philae were on their way to chase comet 67P around the solar system and study its outpourings. It took 10 years to catch up with the comet but ESA’s Rosetta mission captured the public’s imagination with its rocky landing of Philae module in November 2014. We mark this week’s anniversary with a launch of our own. We are bringing out the print edition of our title, ROSETTA’S MIDNIGHT BARGE: Crossing the Comet’s Underworld by Siobhan Logan. And for the next fortnight, up till 17^th March, you can put in pre-orders at the discounted price of £6. It will then be published on Saturday, 18^th March and signed copies will be available on that day from our bookstall at the States of Independence book fair at DMU campus. 

Backblurb:

Prepare to face a comet’s awakening ‘dragon’ alongside gods, monsters and a mummified king. For twelve years, the European Space Agency’s ROSETTA spacecraft chased comet 67P across the solar system to unlock the secrets of its birth. Siobhan Logan re-imagines that exhilarating mission in a new collection of poetry and prose.

Inspired by photos of the comet’s rocky wilderness, Logan blends ancient mythology and modern space adventure in an Egyptian Book of Hours. The twenty-four poems or ‘spells’ steer us through Rosetta’s voyage while her Underworld Guidebook unpacks the mission’s mythology and science.

Photo Credit: Ambrose Musiyiwa

Poetry and Science at the Space Centre

We have also just confirmed that we will be presenting a special event for the Leicester Astronomical Society in May 2023 at the National Space Centre in Leicester. Author Siobhan Logan will reprise her lively recreation of the Rosetta mission from the British Science Festival in Sept. 2022. Conjuring Egyptian gods, ESA scientists and the comet’s otherworldly landscape, she will explore the lasting impact of the mission. Come join our voyage to relive the adventure. Logan will also be available to sign copies of her book at this event. 

Rosetta: Voyage into a Comet's Underworld 
A spoken word presentation for Leicester Astronomical Society
 Tuesday, May 9th 2023 from 19:30 until 21:30pm
Venue: National Space Centre, Leicester