Cherenkov radiation: why is it perceived as blue?

The blue color perception of Cherenkov radiation is often intuitively attributed to its spectrum. However observations usually take place through several meters of water which strongly modifies the original spectrum. A quantitative description of color allows to judge the relative importance of source spectrum versus water influence. This physics example nicely illustrates the scientific method of questioning accepted intuitive reasoning and explanations for phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]