Abstract
BODE'S law, which states that the semi-major axis ri of the ith planet from the Sun is given by where a is a constant, is obeyed by the inner satellites of Jupiter, Saturn and Uranus as well as the planets1. Because the initial conditions in these satellite systems are not likely to have been the same as in the planetary system, this suggests to me that Bode's law may have resulted from a process of dynamical relaxation. That an epoch characterized by strong dynamical encounters occurred before the planets relaxed into stable orbits is also suggested by the surprisingly large differences between the inclinations of their angular momentum vectors of rotation and those of orbital revolution.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
