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



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