Whipple's theory of comet composition

Whipple's theory of comet composition suggests that comets are primarily composed of icy nuclei containing frozen gases, dust, and organic materials. According to this model, as a comet approaches the Sun, the heat causes the ices to vaporize, forming a glowing coma around the nucleus and creating the characteristic tail. The ices act like a frozen reservoir, releasing gases and dust that shape the comet's appearance and activity, indicating that comets are essentially primitive remnants from the early solar system, offering insight into its original composition.