As comets get close to the sun, they start to "melt" and release gas and dust. This gas and dust forms what?
Correct answer: A. "coma" around the comet's nucleus and a long tail that points away from the sun
- A. "coma" around the comet's nucleus and a long tail that points away from the sun
- B. "coma" that points away from the sun and a long tail around the comet's nucleus
- C. Only "coma" around the comet's nucleus
- D. Only a long tail that points away from the sun
Explanation
Solar heating causes a comet's ices to sublimate, forming a coma around its nucleus and a tail directed generally away from the Sun by sunlight and the solar wind. The tail does not simply trail behind the comet's path.
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Astronomy covers the structure and motions of the solar system, planets, satellites, comets, asteroids and meteoroids, together with gravity, eclipses, seasons and phases of the Moon. It also introduces stars, galaxies, nebulae, black holes, space telescopes and satellites, while distinguishing rotation from revolution and meteors from meteorites.
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