<P> The streams of dust and gas each form their own distinct tail , pointing in slightly different directions . The tail of dust is left behind in the comet 's orbit in such a manner that it often forms a curved tail called the antitail , only when it seems that it is directed towards the Sun . At the same time , the ion tail , made of gases , always points along the streamlines of the solar wind as it is strongly affected by the magnetic field of the plasma of the solar wind . The ion tail follows the magnetic field lines rather than an orbital trajectory . Parallax viewing from the Earth may sometimes mean the tails appear to point in opposite directions . </P>
<P> The streams of dust and gas each form their own distinct tail , pointing in slightly different directions . The tail of dust is left behind in the comet 's orbit in such a manner that it often forms a curved tail called the antitail , only when it seems that it is directed towards the Sun . At the same time , the ion tail , made of gases , always points along the streamlines of the solar wind as it is strongly affected by the magnetic field of the plasma of the solar wind . The ion tail follows the magnetic field lines rather than an orbital trajectory . Parallax viewing from the Earth may sometimes mean the tails appear to point in opposite directions . </P>
where does the tail of a comet always point
where does the tail of a comet always point
along the streamlines of the solar wind
along the streamlines of the solar wind