Comets are icy bodies that travel through the solar system in long elliptical orbits. As they approach the Sun, their ice melts, creating a glowing tail that can be seen from Earth. Famous comets like Halley’s Comet are visible from Earth roughly once every 75-76 years, while others, like Comet NEOWISE, can be seen once in a lifetime.
Comets are thought to be remnants from the early solar system, preserving ancient material from when the planets were first forming. Studying their orbits helps scientists understand more about the conditions in the early solar system and the potential for life on other planets.