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



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