Which term is used for celestial bodies that revolve around the sun in highly elliptical orbit ?

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 1, "Comet," is the correct answer for celestial bodies that revolve around the sun in highly elliptical orbits. Here's why:

1. **Explanation for Option 1 (Comet):**
   - Comets are icy celestial bodies that originate from the outer regions of the solar system. They are known for their highly elliptical orbits, which bring them close to the sun at one point in their orbit and take them far away at another. As a comet approaches the sun, the heat causes its ice to vaporize, creating a glowing coma and often a tail that points away from the sun. This distinctive behavior and orbital pattern are characteristic of comets, making them the correct answer.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 2 (Meteor):**
     - A meteor is not a celestial body that orbits the sun. Instead, it refers to the streak of light produced when a meteoroid (a small particle from a comet or asteroid) enters the Earth's atmosphere and burns up. Meteors are transient phenomena and do not have orbits of their own around the sun.

- **Option 3 (Asteroid):**
     - Asteroids are rocky bodies that primarily orbit the sun in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. While they do orbit the sun, their orbits are generally more circular or slightly elliptical, not highly elliptical like those of comets. Therefore, they do not fit the description of having highly elliptical orbits.

- **Option 4 (Planet):**
     - Planets are major celestial bodies that orbit the sun in relatively stable, nearly circular orbits. Their orbits are not highly elliptical, and they do not exhibit the same behavior as comets, such as developing comas or tails. Thus, planets do not match the description provided in the question.

In conclusion, comets are the celestial bodies that best fit the description of having highly elliptical orbits around the sun, which is why Option 1 is the correct answer.