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When the comet is far from
the sun, it travels at about 2,000 Km. per hour. As it gets closer
to the sun, its speed increases. It may travel at over 100,000 Km.
per hour! As a comet approaches the Sun, its icy body begins to
melt, releasing gas and dust. The solar winds push against the coma,
making a tail that streams from the nucleus. The tail of a comet may
extend millions of kilometers into space. It is usually curved
because of the movement of the comet. |
