Is there a quantum law of planetary orbits?

On Thu, 20 Jan 2000, you wrote:

> In the same one, their collaboration was requested to find a solution
> to a enigma of quantum structuring.
>
> The website in question is...
> http://www.accesosis.es/~618201/Maths.htm

Hello,

It was difficult for me to read the above website, but I think it is
referring to a theory the orbits and rotational rates of the planets obey
a special "quantum" theory.

This theory is not believed by the vast majority of astronomers. First of
all, it has very little to do with quantum physics, which is a theory of
atoms and particles that is well-accepted by physicists. The "quantum"
theory of the solar system is based on observations of the nine planets
and (perhaps) a handful of asteroids and comets. When you have only a few
objects, it is, unfortunately, easy to find patterns that don't truly
exist.

For example, there is a famous relation called the Titus-Bode Law. This
law gives the semi-major axis for planets in our solar system with
surprising accuracy, even including the asteroid belt and Pluto (which
were unknown at the time of Bode's work.) The exception is the planet
Neptune, which does not come close to fitting the Titus-Bode Law, and that
one exception throws doubt on the entire law. In addition, no physical
basis for the Titus-Bode Law has ever been found. And, lastly, the
Titus-Bode law has three free parameters, which makes it fairly easy to
fit several data points.

In short, many astronomers feel that the "quantum" theory of the solar
system is wrong. It is a complex theory that is not required to explain
the solar system or planetary orbits. As we discover more and more
planets orbiting other stars, it should become easier to test this theory
against hundreds of known planets.

It is also possible that this theory is correct, but there is one way to
find out. Good scientific theories can make strong predictions that can
be tested. For example, the Big Bang theory successfuly predicted the
existence of the cosmic microwave background and the relative amounts of
hydrogen and helium in the universe. Einstein's General Relativity
predicted that the sun should bend light. I can use Newton's theory of
gravity to send a spacecraft to Jupiter. All of these predictions worked,
showing that the underlying theory has merit. For any theory of a
"quantum" solar system to be valid, it must make a prediction that we can
then test. Once there is a prediction, then we can test the theory.

This is how all science is done - make a guess as to what should happen
based on a theory, and then see if the theory holds up. Many people who
develop "theories" about gravity get upset when they are required to make
a prediction with their theory - they feel like they are being persecuted
because of a strange idea. In reality, we do not treat these theories
differently than any other theory.

Thanks for writing! I hope this answers your questions to some extent.

Sincerely,
Kurtis Williams

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