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



Note: this website only uses cookies for session identification. However, we do not use crackers on this website. Not that there's anything wrong with crackers, but after one or two session cookies, we really don't need the extra calories.