Redshift/Blueshift of Gravity Waves Around a Black Hole

In summary: Gravity waves are not the same as space-time curvature. In summary, the shifting of gravity waves affects the curvature of space-time for observers in the vicinity of a black hole's event horizon. Gravity waves can be redshifted or blueshifted depending on the relative motion and gravitational field differences between the observer and emitter. Above the event horizon, all EM and gravity waves are infinitely redshifted, and hovering slightly above it will also cause severe redshift for observers outside. An observer at the event horizon will see gravity waves blue-shifted. However, gravity waves are not the same as space-time curvature, so the opposite scenario described in the second question does not apply.
  • #1
nottay
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0
First time poster and curious about how the shifting of gravity waves affects the curvature of space-time for observers in the vicinity of a black hole's event horizon. I'm making some assumptions based on my own research on the topic.

Assumptions:
1. Gravity waves are traveling distortions in space-time curvature traveling at the speed of light due to the changing motion of masses rotating about each other.

2. Gravity waves can be redshifted/blueshifted depending on the relative motion of the observer to the emitter and by gravitational field differences between the observer and emitter.

3. To an observer above a black hole's event horizon all EM and gravity waves emitted radially out at the event horizon and within it are infinitely red-shifted to an infinite wavelength.

Questions:
1. Would an observer at a black hole's event horizon see incoming gravity waves gravitationally blue-shifted to such a high frequency that space-time would appear crunched into a tighter density?

2. If gravity waves of high frequency trying to escape an event-horizon are red-shifted to a frequency of zero for an outside observer, is the opposite true that flat space-time would appear blue-shifted to a gravity wave of high frequency for an observer at a black hole's event horizon?

Thanks for any help on this issue you can offer!
 
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  • #2
Gravitational waves.
Gravity waves are things like water waves.

nottay said:
3. To an observer above a black hole's event horizon all EM and gravity waves emitted radially out at the event horizon and within it are infinitely red-shifted to an infinite wavelength.
You can't hover exactly at the event horizon. If you hover a bit above it and emit radiation then it will get severely red-shifted for observers outside.
nottay said:
1. Would an observer at a black hole's event horizon see incoming gravity waves gravitationally blue-shifted to such a high frequency that space-time would appear crunched into a tighter density?
They will see them blue-shifted, yes.
nottay said:
2. If gravity waves of high frequency trying to escape an event-horizon are red-shifted to a frequency of zero for an outside observer, is the opposite true that flat space-time would appear blue-shifted to a gravity wave of high frequency for an observer at a black hole's event horizon?
I don't understand that question.
 

1. What is redshift and blueshift?

Redshift and blueshift are terms used to describe the change in wavelength of light or other electromagnetic radiation. Redshift occurs when an object is moving away from an observer, causing the wavelength of light to appear longer and shifting towards the red end of the electromagnetic spectrum. Blueshift occurs when an object is moving towards an observer, causing the wavelength of light to appear shorter and shifting towards the blue end of the spectrum.

2. How do gravity waves affect redshift and blueshift?

Gravity waves, also known as gravitational waves, are ripples in the fabric of spacetime caused by the acceleration of massive objects. These waves can cause changes in the wavelength of light as they pass through space, resulting in redshift or blueshift depending on the direction of the wave's movement relative to the observer.

3. What causes redshift and blueshift of gravity waves around a black hole?

The extreme gravitational pull of a black hole causes a significant distortion of the fabric of spacetime. As gravity waves pass through this distorted spacetime, they can become redshifted or blueshifted depending on their direction of motion. This phenomenon is known as the gravitational redshift/blueshift effect.

4. How can redshift and blueshift of gravity waves be observed around a black hole?

Scientists can observe the redshift and blueshift of gravity waves around a black hole using specialized equipment such as gravitational wave detectors. These detectors measure the slight changes in wavelength of the waves as they pass through spacetime, allowing scientists to study the properties and behavior of black holes.

5. What can we learn from studying the redshift and blueshift of gravity waves around a black hole?

Studying the redshift and blueshift of gravity waves around a black hole can provide valuable insights into the nature of gravity, spacetime, and the behavior of massive objects. It can also help us understand the formation and evolution of black holes and their role in shaping the universe. Additionally, this research can lead to advancements in gravitational wave detection technology and potentially open up new avenues for studying the cosmos.

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