Why isn't a comet considered a planet?

Answer 1

Well, sweetie, a comet isn't considered a planet because it's just a big ol' dirty ice ball flying around in space, not a big celestial body in orbit around the sun like our familiar planets. It's like the difference between a classy dame in a nice evening gown and a scrappy little stray cat wandering the alleyways - one's a planet, the other ain't.

Answer 2

A comet is not considered a planet because it is a small, icy body that orbits the sun in a highly elliptical path, unlike planets which are larger, rocky or gaseous bodies that orbit in more circular paths. Comets also have tails that form when they get close to the sun, which is a characteristic not seen in planets.

Answer 3

Oh, don't you worry, my friend. Comets are a bit different from planets because they are made up of ice, rock, and dust, and they have tails that form when they get close to the sun. Planets, on the other hand, are larger objects that orbit the sun in a defined path. It's all about the unique beauty and characteristics that make each celestial object special in its own way. Just like how every brushstroke contributes to a beautiful painting.

Answer 4

Oh, dude, a comet isn't considered a planet because it's like the rock star of the solar system, all flashy and icy, flying around leaving trails of gas and dust. Planets, on the other hand, are more like the responsible siblings who orbit the sun in an orderly fashion and don't leave glitter everywhere. So yeah, comets are cool, but they just don't have what it takes to join the planet club.

Answer 5

A comet is not considered a planet because it does not meet the criteria set by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) for classifying celestial bodies as planets.

The IAU defines a planet as a celestial body that:

1. Orbits the sun.
2. Has sufficient mass to assume a nearly round shape due to its own gravity.
3. Has cleared its orbit of other debris.

Comets are composed of ice, dust, and rock and have highly elliptical orbits around the sun, often taking them far beyond the orbit of Pluto. Unlike planets, comets do not have enough mass to become spherical due to their own gravity, and they do not "clear their orbit" as they travel through space. Instead, comets leave behind a trail of gas and dust as they pass near the sun, creating beautiful tails that can be seen from Earth.

In summary, a comet is not considered a planet because it does not meet the specific criteria established by the IAU for planetary classification.