Basic Astronomy Terms
Enter the number from the column to the left into the text box next to the appropriate word in the right-hand column.
1. a natural object surrounded by the vacuum of space celestial body
2. the path a satellite travels around a larger object satellite
3. an object (natural or manmade) that is held by gravity and inertia in a circular or elliptical path around a larger object inertia
4. the force of attraction between all objects parsec
5. a star and all of its satellites universe
6. unit of distance equal to 3.26 light years solar system
7. an explosion that scientists believe occurred at the beginning of our universe; it is thought that after this explosion the first celestial bodies formed astronomical unit
8. the tendency of a body at rest to stay at rest, and of a body in motion to stay in motion, unless acted upon by another force light year
9. the relatively empty area between and around stars, planets, and other celestial bodies gravity
10. the area containing all matter, energy, and space orbit
11. the average distance from the earth to the sun (about 93 million miles; or 149.6 million kilometers) The Big Bang
12. the distance light travels in one year (about 5.88 trillion miles; or 9.45 trillion kilometers) space



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