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The Structure of the Solar System |
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The orbits of the larger planets are put in order according to their distances from the Sun, so the distance of each planet is roughly twice that of the previous planet. This relationship is expressed mathematically in the Titius-Bode law, a formula which sums up the positions of the larger semiaxis of the planets in Astronomical Units. In its simplest form it is:
Where k = 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128. 
This way, Mercury's orbit corresponds to (k = 0) and the larger semiaxis is 0.4 AU, and the orbit of Mars is (k = 4) at 1.6 AU. In fact, the orbits are at 0.38 and 1.52 AU. Ceres, the largest asteroid, is k = 8. This law does not adjust to all the planets (Neptune is much closer to what is predicted by this formula). At the moment, there is no explanation for the Titius-Bode law and many scientists believe it is just a coincidence.
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Solar System 
