71 Down

NYT Daily ? September 7, 2025

Space balls

Answer:

PLANETS

Hint:

Think of the large celestial bodies that orbit stars and can be found in our solar system, like Earth or Jupiter.

Explanation:

Space balls" is a playful way to describe planets—round objects floating in space. The clue uses "balls" as a casual term for spherical things, hinting at the celestial bodies we call planets. It’s a simple pun that swaps a scientific term for a more everyday word.

More Clues from This Puzzle

30 Across

5 letters

Orchestra section toward the middle of the pit

38 Down

6 letters

International shoe brand originating in England

77 Down

3 letters

Sydney’s state: Abbr.

20 Across

4 letters

Spring’s opposite, tidally

General solving tip

Match the clue's grammar: plural with plural, past with past. If the clue ends in 's' or uses a past-tense verb, mirror that form in the entry.

More tips → General Hints