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michaelmarcus michaelmarcus
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12 years ago
Hi, if someone could explain what the difference is between redshift and the doppler effect, because apparently there's a difference, that would be great. Thanks Slight Smile
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12 years ago
Redshift is a Doppler effect.  So is blueshift.

The Doppler Effect is just a relative change in frequency (e.g., sound or light) due to relative velocity.  Redshift occurs when the relative velocity between the target and the observer is opening up a gap between the two.  In redshift, the absolute frequencies are apparently slowed down so that the relative wavelengths are lengthened...shifted to the red end of the spectrum.

Blueshift occurs when the relative velocity is closing that gap.  In this case the relative wavelengths are shortened from their absolute values; so the frequencies shift to the blue end of the spectrum.

Lower pitch in sound corresponds to the redshift.  That is, the sound waves appear to get longer and the frequencies lower.  Higher pitch corresponds to the blueshift.  The frequencies appear to get higher as, say, that train approaches you blowing its horn.  This is the Doppler Effect applied to sound waves.
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DatchileDatchile
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12 years ago
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