This 1953 book sets out some observational facts about comets and then accounts for their origin and explains how comet tails are formed.Originally published in 1953, this book first sets out some observational facts about comets, then the greater part of the book accounts for their origin and explains how comet tails are formed. The text contains 34 photographs of celebrated comets, including eight of Halley's comet. A comet index is also provided.Originally published in 1953, this book first sets out some observational facts about comets, then the greater part of the book accounts for their origin and explains how comet tails are formed. The text contains 34 photographs of celebrated comets, including eight of Halley's comet. A comet index is also provided.Originally published in 1953, this book first sets out some observational facts about comets, then the greater part of the book accounts for their origin and explains how comet tails are formed. The text contains 34 photographs of celebrated comets, including eight of Halley's comet. A comet index is also provided. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the development of astronomy and the history of science.Preface; List of plates; 1. Dynamical properties of comets; 2. Physical properties of comets; 3. The origin and formation of comets; 4. The formation of tails; 5. The relation of the present theory to earlier ideas; Appendix; General index; Comet index.