Two Tails of Comet West . ... Credit Copyright: Observatoire de Haute, Provence, France Explanation: Here Comet West is seen showing two enormous tails that wrap around the sky. The ion tale of a comet usually appears more blue and always points away from the Sun . The dust tail trailing the comet's nucleus is the most prominent. Comet West was a visually spectacular comet , reaching its most picturesque in March of 1976. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...