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



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