Hale-Bopp's Fickle Ion Tail . ... ACC ) Explanation: What's happening to Comet Hale-Bopp's blue ion tail? The comet's ion tail is fluctuating more rapidly as it passes a region of changing solar wind . ... Ions from the solar wind , which cause Comet Hale-Bopp 's ion tail, act unpredictably here. Therefore, Comet Hale-Bopp's ion tale may show unusual structure or even a disconnection - where the tail appears to break off and then reestablish itself later. ... NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...