Astronomy Crossword for Adults

Deep Space Astronomy

"Deep Space Astronomy" is a medium crossword about astronomy with 22 entries on a 15 by 15 grid, 11 across and 11 down.

Answers average 6.1 letters and the longest runs twelve, clued as "Describing the vast physical space between individual star systems" (13 Across). It crosses five other answers, so getting it early opens up much of the grid.

  • 22 clues
  • 15 x 15 grid
  • Medium
  • Answers 4 to 12 letters

The three longest answers

  1. 13 Across (12)Describing the vast physical space between individual star systems
  2. 6 Down (11)Theoretical point of infinite density at the center of a black hole
  3. 9 Down (9)Process where matter spirals onto a compact object, releasing gravitational energy

The worksheet

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Across

  1. 1. Category of compact galaxy that frequently orbits larger spiral systems
  2. 4. Gravitational distortion of spacetime geometry caused by massive bodies
  3. 6. Galactic morphology characterized by pinwheel-like stellar arms
  4. 8. Interstellar cloud of dust and gas where stars are born or die
  5. 10. Sudden stellar outburst that temporarily outshines its neighbors
  6. 13. Describing the vast physical space between individual star systems
  7. 15. Circular band of ionized gas seen in the constellation Lyra, cataloged as M57
  8. 16. Vast, empty expanse between cosmic web filaments
  9. 18. Flattened, rotating plane hosting the spiral arms of galaxies
  10. 19. NASA space observatory specialized in high-energy X-ray astronomy
  11. 20. Dense central hub of a globular cluster or galaxy

Down

  1. 2. Nearby southern galaxy cluster known for its bright central elliptical galaxy NGC 1399
  2. 3. Standard mass benchmark based on our home star used to weigh black holes
  3. 4. Infrared space telescope operating near the Earth-Sun L2 point
  4. 5. Cosmic phenomenon where massive clusters bend background light into arcs or rings
  5. 6. Theoretical point of infinite density at the center of a black hole
  6. 7. Gravitationally bound system containing hundreds or thousands of galaxies
  7. 9. Process where matter spirals onto a compact object, releasing gravitational energy
  8. 11. Nearest major spiral galaxy headed for an eventual merger with our own
  9. 12. Logarithmic measure of a celestial object's brightness
  10. 14. Astronomical unit of length equal to roughly 3.26 light-years
  11. 17. Microscopic solid grains that scatter ultraviolet light and obscure distant nebulae

Answer key

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