University seeking verse with out-of-this-world quality

The contest is open to people of all ages and abilities and academics at Sheffield University said submitted work should be “space themed”.

Entries should be written on specially designed postcards that will be available at popular locations in Sheffield or on request from the university.

The balloon that will launch the winning poem into space is being constructed by Alex Baker and Chris Rose, students in the university’s department of mechanical engineering.

Last year, the pair recorded the Earth from space by sending a helium-filled balloon with two video cameras and a tracking device up into the atmosphere.

The camera filmed video and took pictures as it went and the successful mission was carried out using home-made equipment and on a shoestring budget of £350.

Poetry entries will be judged by a distinguished panel, including one of Britain’s most popular 
poets Simon Armitage, who is the 
university’s professor of poetry.

The text, and a recording of the winning entry, will be sent into space as part of the launch party for the Festival of the Mind on September 20 in Sheffield’s Weston Park.

The 10-day festival, which will run from September 20-30, has been organised by Sheffield University. A spokesman said it will involve “a series of collaborations between academics and people in the creative and cultural industries”.

The competition is open until 5pm on September 14.

Anyone who would like to 
enter should look out for the postcards around the city or alternatively contact joe.oliver@sheffield.
ac.uk