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



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