bode's law: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical/Academic (Astronomy, History of Science)
Quick answer
What does “bode's law” mean?
An empirical rule, now discredited, that approximates the mean distances of the planets from the Sun.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An empirical rule, now discredited, that approximates the mean distances of the planets from the Sun.
Sometimes used metaphorically to refer to a seemingly predictive pattern or rule that is ultimately found to be coincidental or without scientific foundation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage or spelling.
Connotations
Identical connotations as a historical scientific curiosity.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general language in both regions; appears only in specialised historical or astronomical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bode's law” in a Sentence
According to Bode's law, ...Bode's law predicted that...... as described by Bode's lawVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in history of science or astronomy to discuss discredited predictive models. Example: 'The lecture covered the rise and fall of Bode's law in 18th-century astronomy.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used precisely to refer to the specific mathematical sequence: a_n = 0.4 + 0.3 × 2^n, for planets from Venus outward.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bode's law”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bode's law”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bode's law”
- Misspelling as 'Bodes law' (missing apostrophe).
- Referring to it as a valid scientific principle.
- Confusing it with Kepler's or Newton's laws.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an empirical rule that was historically significant but is now considered a mathematical coincidence without physical basis, especially after its failure to predict Neptune's orbit accurately.
The rule was first published by Johann Elert Bode in 1772, but was actually discovered earlier by Johann Daniel Titius, hence its alternative name, the Titius–Bode law.
It predicted a gap between Mars and Jupiter, which was later filled by the discovery of the asteroid belt, and it predicted the approximate orbit of Uranus.
It is cited as a famous example in the history of science of a seemingly predictive pattern that fueled discovery but was later debunked, illustrating the difference between correlation and causation.
An empirical rule, now discredited, that approximates the mean distances of the planets from the Sun.
Bode's law is usually technical/academic (astronomy, history of science) in register.
Bode's law: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbəʊdɪz lɔː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊdɪz lɔː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Bode predicted where planets would 'abode' using a simple code (the mathematical sequence).
Conceptual Metaphor
A FALSE PROPHECY or BROKEN PATTERN.
Practice
Quiz
Bode's law is primarily discussed in modern contexts as: