What is the term for a mixture of ices that orbits the Sun but is not part of a planet?

What is the term for a mixture of ices that orbits the Sun but is not part of a planet?

• A. Dwarf planet
• B. Comet
• C. Asteroid
• D. Moon

Answer: (B)

Comets are icy bodies that orbit the Sun but aren’t planets. They’re made mostly of ice and dust, and when they get close to the Sun the ices heat up and turn into gas, forming a glowing coma and sometimes a tail that streams away from the Sun. This combination of ice, dust, and a distinctive bright appearance near the Sun sets them apart from dwarf planets, asteroids, and moons.

Comets are icy bodies that orbit the Sun but aren’t planets. They’re made mostly of ice and dust, and when they get close to the Sun the ices heat up and turn into gas, forming a glowing coma and sometimes a tail that streams away from the Sun. This combination of ice, dust, and a distinctive bright appearance near the Sun sets them apart from dwarf planets, asteroids, and moons.