The one orbital characteristic both short- and long-period comets share is
A) mostly prograde orbits.
B) orbits with completely random tilts.
C) orbital periods longer than any planet.
D) highly eccentric orbits.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both short- and long-period comets have highly eccentric orbits, meaning their orbits are elongated and take them closer to the Sun before swinging them far out into the depths of the Solar System. This is what makes them so visible to us as they pass by the Sun and create spectacular tails.

The One Orbital Characteristic Both Short- and Long-Period Comets Share