Ask A Scientist© Astronomy Archive

Question:  I've seen small amounts of clear liquid hydrogen.  However, like
water, does hydrogen in large volumes absorb wavelengths of light like water? 
What "color" is it?  No, this isn't really a chem question - are the Jovian pot
marks from the
July bombardment black openings to liquid hydrogen? Are they black?  Are they of 
liquid hydrogen?
benjamin p heroux

Answer:  No, I do not think the blemishes are hydrogen.  The data I saw said
they were compounds from the upper atmosphere.  Ammonium compounds I think.  The 
hydrogen is supposed to be in the solid part of the planet. This is much deeper. 
 Are you referring to the blueness of water when you talk about the color of wat er?  Most of that
comes from the sky.  I think.  It will be exciting to see what the sprectal
absorption of the Jovian marks are.
samuel p bowen