The AARO Logo: An Armillary

The armillary as a tool dates back to the middle ages, about 1500 AD, during Copernicus? time.

The armillary was used to discover, to study, to locate, to coordinate, and to teach.

The fundamental circles of the heavens represented by several interlocking, graduated rings, were believed to swivel around various axes within a skeletal sphere. The armillary permitted a direct reading of the position of celestial bodies by setting the rings to certain latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates.

By finding their bearings, these early pioneers discovered new structures of the universe, and better understood movements and eclipses. From these discoveries explorers began to see their world in three-dimensions.

The parallel to AARO?

Our region is made of many spheres of influence, communities, and jurisdictions. While our goals are more earthbound, we strive to get our best bearings by focusing on the long-term, setting sights on issues approaching the horizon. We hope to discover new and better structures; to study and understand movements; to watch for changes in latitudes and attitudes; to locate, and above all, to coordinate among all the spheres.

The logo is intended to be a distinguishing mark, useful not only in our communication, but above all in our coordination.