For other uses, see Per aspera ad astra (disambiguation).

Per aspera ad astra is a Latin phrase which literally means "Through hardships to the stars". The phrase is one of many Latin sayings which use the expression Ad astra. Various organizations and groups use this expression and its variants:

• Military:
  • South African Air Force^[1]
  • Royal Air Force (Per Ardua Ad Astra)^[2]
  • Military Technical Academy in Bucharest, Romania ^[3]

• Education and research:
  • California State University East Bay http://www.csueastbay.edu/
  • Stevens Institute of Technology^[4]
  • Campbell University (Ad astra per aspera)^[5]
  • Greenhill School in Dallas, Texas^[6]
  • Albury High School (Ad Astra per aspera) http://www.albury-h.schools.nsw.edu.au/

• Fraternities and sororities:
  • Beta Sigma Psi National Lutheran Fraternity^[7]
  • Sigma Gamma Phi - Arethusa Sorority

• Political entities:
  • State of Kansas (Ad astra per aspera)^[8]
  • Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin^[9]
  • City of Gouda, Netherlands

• Popular culture:
  • Popular Filipino comic writer Pol Medina, Jr. of Pugad Baboy fame
  • Aspera! Per aspera! Per ardua! Ad astra! is the refrain of the song "Aspera" by Erin McKeown
  • At the end of the credits of a Half-Life 2 mod called Riot Act

• Others:
  • Starfleet, the Earth-based, interplanetary diplomatic body from Star Trek (Ad Astra per aspera)
  • Inscribed on the crest of Pall Mall cigarettes packages^[10]

Variants

• Ad Astra per aspera ("To the stars through hardships")
• Per Ardua Ad Astra ("Through adversity to the stars")

References

1. ↑ The South African Air Force Emblems
2. ↑ Royal Air Force FAQ: What is the RAF Motto
3. ↑ Academia Tehnica Militaria
4. ↑ Stevens Institute of Technology: About Stevens
5. ↑ Campbell University: General Information
6. ↑ Greenhill School: Statement of Philosophy
7. ↑ Beta Sigma Psi 2006 National Convention, see page header
8. ↑ Kansas Seal
9. ↑ Decorations of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin
10. ↑ History of Cigarette Brands: Pall Mall