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



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