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" ('thus one journeys to the stars')[1] and "opta ardua pennis astra sequi" ('desire to pursue the high[/hard to reach] stars on wings').[2] Another origin is Seneca the Younger, who wrote in Hercules: "non est ad astra mollis e terris via" ('there is no easy way from the earth to the stars').[3]
Ad astra is used as, or as part of, the motto of many organizations, most prominently, air forces. It has also been adopted as a proper name for various unrelated things (publications, bands, video games, etc.). It likewise sees general use as a popular Latin tag.
Motto on John Steinbeck's personal stamp, featuring a figure of the Pigasus.[8] Steinbeck's motto had an error in the Latin and used 'alia' instead of 'alas'.[9]
Brazilian Air Force Academy, in Pirassununga - São Paulo, Brazil. The Brazilian Air Force Academy uses the variation "Macte animo! Generose puer, ic itur ad astra!" which means: "Be brave! Young ones, this is the pathway to the stars."
Ad Astra is the title of a 2019 science fiction film starring Brad Pitt.
The phrase Sic itur ad astra was also used in the Netflix's Singaporean anime-influenced television series Trese.
The phrase Ad astra abyssosque was used as the motto for the Adventurer's Guild in the video game Genshin Impact.
"Ad Astra" is the title of a song by Finnish composer Antti Martikainen from the album "Novum" released November 30, 2022.
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.
The phrase "Per Aspera, Ad Astra" is used as a motto by Golds, recalling the Earth eras pre-conquering, in the popular Red Rising science fiction saga.