What are comets primarily made of?

Comets are primarily composed of frozen gases, dust, and other organic compounds. This combination creates what is often referred to as a "dirty snowball," where ice and dust coexist. When comets approach the Sun, the heat causes the ices to sublimate (turn directly from solid to gas), leading to the formation of a glowing coma (a hazy atmosphere) and a tail that always points away from the Sun. This unique structure distinguishes comets from other celestial bodies, such as asteroids, which are primarily made of rock and metal. The presence of frozen gases is significant because it plays a substantial role in a comet's behavior and appearance as it approaches the inner solar system.