Quantum statistics and internal constitution of planets

Abstract

This note gives a preliminary account of work which has, in a straightforward way, led to a relation between the radii and masses of the planets and connects it with the theory of the white dwarf stars. The agreement between theory and observation is rather remarkable. The investigation owes its origin to the inspiring suggestion of Prof. H. N. Russell that “ somewhere between stellar and planetary masses there must be a maximum radius for a cold body. This can be estimated at about 1/10th solar radius, a value about equal to the diameter of Jupiter ”1.