Comets
Comets are small celestial bodies in the solar system, composed primarily of ice, dust, and rocky material. They originate from the outer regions of the solar system, primarily the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud. When a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, releasing gas and dust. This process creates a glowing coma around the nucleus and often forms a tail that points away from the Sun, due to the solar wind and radiation pressure. Comets are often characterized by their highly elliptical orbits, which can bring them into the inner solar system, where they become visible from Earth. Their appearance can vary significantly, exhibiting different sizes, structures, and behaviors based on their composition and the environment of the solar system. Historically, comets have been subjects of fascination and study, contributing to our understanding of the early solar system and the conditions that may lead to the formation of planets.