answersLogoWhite

0

It would approach the sun again, but not for a long period of time, until it has gone through the rest of its elliptical orbit.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Astronomy

How do the orbits of comets differ from the orbits of most asteroids?

Comets are balls of ice and dust in orbit around the Sun. The orbits of comets are different from those of planets - they are elliptical. A comet's orbit takes it very close to the Sun and then far away again.


What small body that follows a highly elliptical orbit around the sun?

A small body that follows a highly elliptical orbit around the sun is a comet. Comets are icy objects that originate from the outer regions of the solar system and periodically enter the inner solar system, creating a bright coma and tail when they approach the sun.


Do comets orbit in the shape of a planets orbit?

A comet that's bound to the sun and appears periodically is in an elliptical orbit. A comet that whizzes through the solar system only once and then leaves for good is in a hyperbolic orbit. If the comet is periodic but with an exceptionally long period ... thousands of years e.g. ... then we can't tell, from the small part of its orbit that we can see, whether it's elliptical or hyperbolic.


What is the difference between the earth's orbit and a comet's orbit?

The Earth's orbit around the Sun is more circular and consistent, while a comet's orbit is typically more elliptical and variable. Comets also come from the outer solar system and have highly eccentric orbits that can bring them close to the Sun, leading to the development of a bright coma and tail due to the heat and radiation.


What point in its orbit does the comet have the greatest potential energy?

A comet has the greatest potential energy at its farthest point from the Sun, known as aphelion. At this location, the gravitational pull of the Sun is weaker, and the comet is at its maximum distance from the Sun. As the comet moves closer to the Sun in its elliptical orbit, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases due to the gravitational attraction.

Related Questions

What is a usual type of orbit of a comet?

elliptical


Why is a comet's orbit considered a cycle?

A comets orbit is considered a cycle because a comet circles back in an elliptical orbit.


Why is a comet orbit considered a cycle?

A comets orbit is considered a cycle because a comet circles back in an elliptical orbit.


What orbit does a comet have?

Orbits move in very elongated elliptical orbits.


What is the name of the comet that orbits the sun in your solar system?

Any comet visible from earth is in orbit around the sun. If the orbit is closed (elliptical), the comet will return after some period of time. If the orbit is open (parabolic or hyperbolic), the comet will escape the solar system and never return to the neighborhood.


What does a longer orbit mean?

Having an elliptical orbit means there is a point for each comet where it is a comet's orbit can be changed over many years by gravity, until it is long and thin.


Shape of a comet's orbit?

Comets' orbits are elliptical, like all orbiting bodies.


What is the orbit of a comet?

Comets in the solar system follow elliptical orbits around the Sun.


Does Halleys comet orbits earth in an elongated ellipse?

Yes, Halley's comet orbits the Sun in an elongated elliptical orbit, which means it travels closer to the Sun and then swings far out into space before returning again on its approximately 76-year journey.


How does comet orbits and comets orbit?

in an elliptical (oval) orbit around the sun, with its tail pointing in the oposite direction of the sun.


Why does halleys comet appear?

Halley's comet appears because it is a comet that orbits the Sun. It as a highly elliptical (oval) orbit which makes it seem to fly out of the solar system and back.


What forces keep the comet in orbit around the sun?

The comet is kept in orbit around the sun by the gravitational pull between the comet and the sun. This gravitational force acts as a centripetal force, keeping the comet moving in its elliptical orbit.