Doppler Shift for Light

Understanding the Doppler Shift for Light

The Doppler shift for light, or redshift/blueshift, is a phenomenon that occurs when the frequency of light or other waves changes due to the relative motion of the source and the observer. When an object moves towards the observer, the wavelengths decrease (blueshift), and when it moves away, the wavelengths increase (redshift). This effect is crucial for studying the universe, allowing astronomers to determine the speed and direction of galaxies relative to Earth.

Parameter usage:

• velocity = the relative velocity between the source and observer. Positive for moving apart, negative for moving together.
• lightSpeed = the constant speed of light in vacuum, approximately 299,792 kilometers per second.

Application in Astronomy

This effect is widely used in astronomy to measure the velocity at which galaxies and other celestial bodies are moving away from or towards Earth, helping scientists to understand the expanding universe and the possibility of new planets or stars.