Cynthia Bounties, age 9, of Rockford, Ill., for her question:

Why does a comet’s tail paint away from the sun?

The sun gives off try ominous energy, which radiates forth in all directions. This energy streams outward with a pushing power called pressure. A visiting comet  Comes very close to the sun, close enough to feel the pressure streaming out with Its radiant energy. The comet's tail, we think, is caused by solar pressure. The finest of fine Particles of gas and dust are pushed behind the comet's head as it comes near the Sun. As the comet leaves the sun, solar pressure pushes the tail in the opposite Direction. The comet's tail then streams on in front of its head.