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



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