What is a comet primarily composed of?

A comet is primarily composed of ice and dust, which are often referred to as "dirty snowballs" due to the mix of frozen gases and solid particles. The ice can include water ice, carbon dioxide, ammonia, and other volatile compounds. When a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes the ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma and often a tail that is pushed away from the Sun by solar winds. This distinct composition of ice and dust differentiates comets from other celestial objects, such as asteroids, which are primarily made of rock and metal. Understanding the composition of comets is crucial for studying the early solar system and the origins of water on Earth.