Both comets and planets orbit the sun. How do their orbits differ?

Comets orbit elliptically, and planets orbit more circularly.

Please correct me if Im wrong, thanks

You are correct.

Thank you :-)

You are partially correct! Comets and planets do differ in their orbits around the Sun, but the distinction is not as simple as one having elliptical orbits while the other has circular orbits. Let me explain in more detail.

Both comets and planets orbit the Sun, but their orbits have some important differences:

1. Shape: Comets typically have highly elliptical orbits, meaning their paths are elongated and stretched out. On the other hand, the orbits of planets are generally much closer to being circular, although some planets like Pluto have orbits that are more elliptical.

2. Size: Comets are relatively small celestial bodies, often consisting of icy materials. They originate from the outer regions of the Solar System. Planets, on the other hand, are larger celestial bodies made up of rock and gases. They form closer to the Sun during the process of planetary accretion.

3. Consistency: Cometary orbits are more erratic and less predictable compared to planetary orbits. This is because comets can be affected by various gravitational forces, such as interactions with other celestial bodies or the influence of large planets. In contrast, planetary orbits are generally more stable and follow predictable patterns.

So, while the elliptical shape of cometary orbits is one noticeable distinction, it is important to consider other factors as well, such as the size and consistency of their orbits.