While the comet is being described as a "rogue comet" (which means not bound to any one star system) the on-screen graphic shows it being in an elliptical orbit.
In the Observation Lounge briefing, above Troi's head a little to the right.
When Picard is questioning Ihat (Data) in Engineering, he says "I would like to know Masaka, speak with her." At no time prior to this was it mentioned that Masaka was female. Picard even asked if Ihat was Masaka at first.