What features do comets have?

Comets are characterized by their icy nuclei, which can contain water, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and other volatile compounds. When they approach the Sun, the heat causes these materials to vaporize, creating a glowing coma and often a spectacular tail that points away from the Sun due to solar wind. Comets typically have highly elliptical orbits, taking them far out into the solar system before returning close to the Sun. Additionally, their surfaces are often covered with a dark, carbon-rich material, giving them a distinctive appearance.