comet tail

Solar wind and radiation push tail material away from the Sun. This topic is part of Astronomy within Science & Nature. This page currently draws on 4 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.

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comet tail trivia questions

A comet's tail generally points in what direction relative to the Sun?

Answer: Away from the Sun

Bonus fact: Solar wind and radiation push tail material away from the Sun.

What are the two main types of comet tails?

Answer: Dust and ion tails

Bonus fact: Comets often show a curved dust tail and straighter ion tail.

Which comet tail responds especially strongly to the solar wind?

Answer: Ion tail

Bonus fact: Charged particles are swept directly away by the solar wind.

Why does a comet’s tail generally point away from the Sun?

Answer: Solar radiation and the solar wind push material away

Bonus fact: A comet can have separate dust and ion tails, both influenced by the Sun.

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