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



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