Bode's law

American  

[bohdz law] / ˈboʊdz ˈlɔ /

noun

Astronomy.

1. a numerical scheme that gives the approximate distance from the sun of the seven planets closest to the sun (Mercury through Uranus) but fails for Neptune and Pluto, which are further away.

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Bode's law British  

/ bəʊdz /

noun

1. astronomy an empirical rule relating the distances of the planets from the sun, based on the numerical sequence 0, 3, 6, 12, 24,…. Adding 4 to each number and dividing by 10 gives the sequence 0.4, 0.7, 1, 1.6, 2.8,…, which is a reasonable representation of distances in astronomical units for most planets if the minor planets are counted as a single entity at 2.8

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Etymology

Origin of Bode's law

First recorded in 1825–35; after Johann E. Bode (1747–1826), German astronomer, though probably first formulated by Johann D. Titius (Tietz), German astronomer (1729–96)

Example Sentences

The mean distance from the sun was found to be 2.767, agreeing with the 2.8 given by Bode’s law.

From History of Astronomy by Forbes, George

A very simple proportion, known as Bode's law, has been observed, which indicates approximately the relative distances of the planets from the Sun.

From Astronomy for Amateurs by Welby, Frances A. (Frances Alice)

Bode's law, you know, says, Write down 0, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, 96.

From A journey in other worlds A romance of the future by Astor, John Jacob

If we make a similar computation for each planet, we shall find that their distances from the sun show a remarkable agreement with an artificial series of numbers called Bode's law.

From A Text-Book of Astronomy by Comstock, George C.

In 1844, assuming a circular orbit, and a mean distance agreeing with Bode’s law, he obtained a first approximation to the position of the supposed planet.

From History of Astronomy by Forbes, George