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



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