Halley's Comet

A periodic comet is a celestial body composed primarily of ice, dust, and rocky material that follows an elliptical orbit around the Sun. These comets are recognized for their predictable paths, returning to the inner solar system at regular intervals. Upon approaching the Sun, solar heat causes volatile materials, particularly frozen gases, to undergo sublimation. This process releases gas and dust particles, forming a visible envelope called a coma, which is often accompanied by one or more long tails trailing the comet as it travels through space. The study of such bodies provides valuable insight into the formation and composition of the early solar system.