Praxis 5005 Practice Test Practice Question

Where do short-period comets in the solar system most likely originate?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Short-period comets primarily originate from the Kuiper Belt, a region beyond Neptune filled with icy bodies. This area is home to many small celestial objects that can be perturbed into orbits that bring them closer to the Sun, resulting in short-period comets.

Option A, the surface of Mars, is incorrect as Mars does not have the necessary icy bodies to produce comets. Option B, the rings of Saturn, is also incorrect; while Saturn has rings, they are not a source of comets. Option D, the core of the Sun, is incorrect because the extreme heat and pressure there would destroy any potential cometary material.

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