Apple’s former Chief Design Officer, Sir Jony Ive, has designed the seal for UK’s new ‘Astra Carta’ space sustainability program, with King Charles III unveiling the design at a Space Sustainability reception at Buckingham Palace today.
The new seal incorporates astronomical charts and astrophotography. The structure is similarly defined by sacred geometry, overlaid with astronomical motion. The Earth is at the centre, showing the Sun and annular eclipse of the Moon, with the transit of Mercury, dance of Venus and Mars.
The unveiling of the new Astra Carta seal follows after Ive was commissioned to design the official royal emblem for King Charles III’s coronation.
Symbolic constellations from the night sky in both the northern and southern hemispheres include Cepheus, Orion, Monoceros, Centaurus, Crux, Leo, and Charles’ Wain within Ursa Major, as well as the North Star are featured.
Deep space and the distant universe are represented by glimmering space dust and infinite blackness.
“We were fascinated by the celestial rhythms that were illuminated during this design process, and how they are profoundly connected to the patterns of life on Earth,” said Sir Jony Ive in a statement online. “This feels a crucial time to do more to protect the natural universe in the broadest sense, and we are deeply honoured to have been able to contribute to this important and pioneering project.”
British-born Sir Jony Ive left Apple in 2019 after working for the iPhone maker since 1996 and was responsible for all design at the company, including the look and feel of Apple hardware, user interface, packaging, Apple retail stores, and corporate offices, including as Apple Park.
Last year, Ive was hired to redesign the iconic ‘Red Nose’ for British charity Comic Relief ahead of its annual Red Nose Day charity fundraiser, revealing a new nose design made from 95% plant-based materials.