Hi Dan Apted,
...could be performed by projecting a powerful light source at a passing comet with a satellite.
If indeed it is not solar wind, but simple light refraction incidence, any images taken simultaneously would illustrate the effect you describe.
The solar wind is a very real effect though and I suspect you may be disappointed. The solar wind contains charged particles which strike the comet and disperse some of its accumulated mass of "scooped" up particles.
Like a snowplow, the comet builds up a pile of particles, which create most of the energy and glow which a comet contains. A comets nuclei can be as small as a pea, but at the speed it travels it can appear like a huge fireball.
The comet need not run out of material by the tail dispersion - but rather this dispersion is a dispersing of scooped up particles and not really a part of the comet itself.
It's good that you don't take anything at face value though - all science and accepted theory must constantly stand up to new tests and concepts.
Best wishes,
SDAI-Tech1
Space/Science » in reply to Comet Tails or Tales
An easy test for your theory...