A body of ice, gases, and dust that orbits the sun and often has a long tail is a comet.

Here's why:

* Ice, gases, and dust: Comets are primarily composed of these materials.

* Orbits the sun: Comets travel in elliptical orbits around the sun.

* Long tail: As a comet approaches the sun, the heat causes its ice to vaporize, creating a long tail of gas and dust that trails behind it.