When a comet in an elliptical orbit passes close to the Sun and then travels AWAY from the Sun back toward…
When a comet in an elliptical orbit passes close to the Sun and then travels AWAY from the Sun back toward the outer solar system, in which direction does its tail point?
Towards the Sun
Away from the Sun
Perpendicular to its direction of motion
Directly behind it along its travel path
Solution
Solar wind and radiation pressure always push comet dust and gas particles away from the Sun, so a comet's tail always points away from the Sun regardless of its travel direction.