McNaught is a prominent comet that was discovered in 2006 by astronomer Robert McNaught. It is notable for its bright appearance and long tail, making it one of the brightest comets visible from Earth in recent years. The comet reached its peak brightness in early 2007, becoming a spectacular sight for skywatchers. The orbit of McNaught takes it around the Sun approximately every 110,000 years. As it approaches the Sun, the heat causes its icy nucleus to release gas and dust, forming a glowing coma and tail. This process is typical for comets, which are often referred to as "dirty snowballs" due to their composition.