Comets

A comet is a small celestial body that orbits the sun and is made of ice, rock, and dust. When a comet approaches the sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, creating a bright glowing coma and sometimes a tail. Comets are often referred to as "dirty snowballs" because of their composition.

Characteristics of Comets

• Nucleus: The solid core of a comet, made of ice and rock.
• Coma: The atmosphere of gas and dust that forms around the nucleus when the comet approaches the sun.
• Tail: The tail of a comet is formed as solar radiation and solar wind push the coma away from the sun, creating a tail that points away from the sun.

Study Guide

1. What is a comet made of?

A comet is made of ice, rock, and dust.

2. What causes a comet to have a tail?

When a comet approaches the sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, creating a bright glowing coma and sometimes a tail.

3. What are the characteristics of a comet's nucleus?

The nucleus is the solid core of a comet, made of ice and rock.

Studying comets can be fascinating as they provide insight into the formation of the solar system and the composition of celestial bodies. Observing comets can also be a thrilling experience for astronomers and enthusiasts alike.