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NASA's New 'Exploration' Insignia
colonist writes "NASA has a new insignia for the program set by the Vision for Space Exploration. This UPI article describes it: "Three spheres--Earth, the moon and Mars--are arrayed in sequence, with the streak of a rocket passing through each. A Latin inscription on the emblem says 'Audentes Fortuna Juvat,' which, translated into English, says 'Fortune Favors the Bold.'" Compare it with other space mission insignia."
It's historical.
Coats of arms and heraldry started out when very few people could read. Those who could read generally tended to be versed in Latin, hence it appeared on coats of arms. This has been carried on in tradition until present day. Seriously, if you ever see an incredibly elaborate design for an emblem or coat of arms with English text on it, you'll instantly think "uugh, tacky!". Add to that the fact that Latin has a slight degree of ambiguity through translation, so you can get across concepts and much larger ideas with less text - perfect for use on a small image.
Here is a link with tons of Latin Phrases and the English translation. Latin is the root of many western languages. Latin was required in the European Universities, such as Heidelberg, which was commissioned as a University by Pope Urban VI in 1385 (note the obvious Latin connection).
Pete Carr Owner Chatmag.com
Because it was originally written in Latin by Claudius in his epistles. It is an ancient truism, said well before there was a NASA, before there was an English language, well before the Earth was known to be round. Claudius lived from 10BCE to 54CE, and was emperor of Rome from 41CE until his death.
More people in the western world know Latin than know English, for the "romance languages" were founded from Latin.
Why are there Valedictorians, Baccalautate degrees, Cum Laude, Magna Cum Laude, Summa Cum Laude? I went to a Community College Graduation this week, and Latin was everywhere.
Tradition!
Lastly, Tradition states that a pithy motto be in latin, since it is a "dead" language, and therefore less likely to be misinterpreted.
The fact that insignia is commonly accepted as a singular today makes that glaringly obvious.
rj