Hydrogen Blob N88A in the Small Magellanic Cloud . ... WFPC2 , HST , ESA , NASA Explanation: The bright blob of hydrogen gas cataloged as N88A is seen at the right. It measures a mere 3 light years across. ... The false-color Hubble Space Telescope image was recorded in the characteristic "H-alpha" light emitted by hydrogen atoms as they are ionized by the young star's energetic ultraviolet light and then recombine. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . ...