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 orbit
2. the relatively empty area between and around stars, planets, and other celestial bodies solar system
3. the average distance from the earth to the sun (about 93 million miles; or 149.6 million kilometers) light year
4. an object (natural or manmade) that is held by gravity and inertia in a circular or elliptical path around a larger object space
5. a star and all of its satellites universe
6. an explosion that scientists believe occurred at the beginning of our universe; it is thought that after this explosion the first celestial bodies formed gravity
7. the force of attraction between all objects celestial body
8. the distance light travels in one year (about 5.88 trillion miles; or 9.45 trillion kilometers) astronomical unit
9. the area containing all matter, energy, and space parsec
10. the path a satellite travels around a larger object inertia
11. unit of distance equal to 3.26 light years The Big Bang
12. 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 satellite



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