Comets

Comets are small, icy celestial bodies that travel in highly elliptical orbits around the sun. They are believed to be remnants from the early solar system, and their composition provides important clues about the conditions that existed during the formation of our solar system. A comet’s nucleus is made up of a mixture of water ice, carbon dioxide, methane, and other organic compounds, along with dust and rock. As a comet approaches the sun, its nucleus heats up, causing volatile gases and dust to be released, forming a coma and creating a visible tail that can stretch for millions of kilometers. Studying comets can provide scientists with valuable information about the history and evolution of our solar system.