Ad astra


Ad astra is a Latin phrase meaning "to the stars". The phrase has origins with Virgil, who wrote in his Aeneid: "sic itur ad astra" and "opta ardua pennis astra sequi". Another origin is Seneca the Younger, who wrote in Hercules: "non est ad astra mollis e terris via".

Etymology

Ad is a Latin preposition expressing direction toward in space or time. It is also used as a prefix in Latin word formation.
Astra is the accusative plural form of the Latin word astrum 'star'.

Mottos

Ad astra is used as, or as part of, the motto of many organizations, most prominently, military air forces. It has also been adopted as a proper name for various such things as publications, bands, video games, etc. It likewise sees general use as a popular Latin tag.

''Ad astra''

''Ad astra per alas porci''

"To the stars on the wings of a pig"
  • Motto on John Steinbeck's personal stamp, featuring a figure of the Pigasus. Steinbeck's motto had an error in the Latin and used 'alia' instead of 'alas'.
  • Title of Chris Thile's mandolin concerto

''Ad astra per aspera''

"To the stars through difficulties"; "a rough road leads to the stars"; or "Through hardships, to the stars".

''De profundis ad astra''

"From the depths to the stars."

''Per ardua ad astra''

"Through adversity to the stars" or "Through struggle to the stars"

''Per aspera ad astra''

"Through hardships to the stars" or "To the stars through difficulties"

''Per audacia ad astra''

"Through boldness to the stars"

''Quam celerrime ad astra''

"With full speed to the stars"

''Sic itur ad astra''

"Thus one goes to the stars"
"Such is the pathway to the stars"
"Reach for the stars"

''Hinc itur ad astra''

"From here the way leads to the stars"

Other uses

Per "Abi ad Astra" was the
slogan of the year 1999 students of the grammar school Ubbo-Emmius-Gymnasium in Leer

Literature

Music

  • "Per aspera ad Astra" is the name of a track from the album Eppur si muove by German symphonic metal band Haggard.
  • The phrase "Ad Astra" is a key phrase in Nightwish's song Shoemaker and the name of track 8 on disc two from their album Human. :II: Nature.
  • "Ad Astra" is the title of a song by Finnish composer Antti Martikainen from the album "Novum" released November 30, 2022.
  • “Sic itur ad astra” is the title of a track on Megaliths, the second album written and performed by Edinburgh-based experimental electronic musician Daniel McGurty, and released in 2022.
  • "AD ASTRA" is the 15th track on the album SILOS, the fifth studio album of cinematic rock band Starset, released September 12, 2025.
  • "AD ASTRA" is title of the ninth studio album of Northern Irish rock band Ash, released October 03, 2025.

Art

Film and television

Computer games