Short Answer 
The answer to the riddle is a **comet**, which is less dense than water and has highly elliptical orbits that can extend to about **9.5 AU** from the Sun. Comets are primarily composed of ice and dust, distinguishing them as unique celestial objects found in the Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud.
Identify the Answer
The answer to the riddle is a comet. Comets are fascinating celestial objects that capture the imagination of many, and they have distinct characteristics that can be linked directly to the clues given in the riddle.
Understand the Characteristics
Comets have unique properties that distinguish them from other celestial bodies. Consider the following features:
- Density: Comets are less dense than water, typically composed of ice, dust, and rocky material.
- Orbit: They usually have highly elliptical orbits that take them beyond the orbit of Neptune.
- Location: The average distance of comets from the Sun is about 9.5 AU (astronomical units), which places them in the Kuiper Belt or even farther in the Oort Cloud.
Connect to the Riddle
The riddle specifically mentions two key clues: being less dense than water and the distance from the Sun. Comets fit both criteria seamlessly. To summarize:
- They are composed largely of ice and dust, leading to their lower density.
- They travel in orbits that can take them to a distance of about 9.5 AU, meeting the riddle’s requirements.
- Comets originate from deeper regions of the outer solar system, confirming their unique position in space.