comet

This term describes a specific type of small solar system body that differs from asteroids primarily by its composition of volatile ices. The visual hallmark of a comet is the coma and tail, which only manifest as the object approaches the sun and the ice begins to sublimate. In a historical or cultural context, comets were often viewed as omens or portents of significant earthly events, though modern astronomy treats them as remnants from the early formation of the solar system.