Comets are fascinating celestial objects made primarily of ice, dust, and rocky material. They originate from the outer regions of the solar system, such as the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud. When a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes its ices to vaporize, creating a glowing coma and often a spectacular tail that can stretch for millions of kilometers. These icy wanderers have been observed for centuries and have inspired countless myths and legends. Comets can vary greatly in size and composition, and their orbits can be highly elliptical, bringing them close to the Earth before they travel back into the depths of space.