a simple numerical relation that describes the approximate distances from the sun of the seven inner planets. The formula is (x + 4) ÷ 10 = distance in astronomical units, where x is 0 for Mercury, 3 for Venus, 6 for earth, 12 for Mars, and so on
[named after Johann Bode, d.1826, German astronomer, who publicized the law. It was discovered by another German astronomer Johann Daniel Titius, d.1796]