Which celestial object is composed of ice, dust, and gas?

Which celestial object is composed of ice, dust, and gas?

• A. Meteoroid
• B. Supernova
• C. Comet
• D. Black hole

Answer: (C)

Comets are small bodies in the outer solar system made mostly of ice, dust, and rocky material. When they swing toward the Sun, the heat causes the ices to sublimate into gas, and dust is released, forming a glowing coma around the nucleus and tails that stream away from the Sun. This icy, dusty composition is a defining feature of comets, setting them apart from meteoroids (rocky fragments) and from objects like supernovae or black holes.

Comets are small bodies in the outer solar system made mostly of ice, dust, and rocky material. When they swing toward the Sun, the heat causes the ices to sublimate into gas, and dust is released, forming a glowing coma around the nucleus and tails that stream away from the Sun. This icy, dusty composition is a defining feature of comets, setting them apart from meteoroids (rocky fragments) and from objects like supernovae or black holes.