An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The constant, denoted k, defining the astronomical system of units of length (→ astronomical unit), mass (→ solar mass), and time (→ day), by means of → Kepler’s third law. The dimensions of k² are those of Newton’s constant of gravitation: L ³M ^-1T ^-2. Its value is: k = 0.01720209895.

See also: → Gaussian; → gravitational; → constant.