Cosmological vs. Relativistic Doppler Shift

In summary, the conversation discusses the difference between observed cosmological redshift and predicted gravitational redshift. The latter is measured in spectral lines from the Sun and white dwarfs, and is in agreement with the prediction of general relativity. However, it should not be confused with cosmological redshift, which is due to the expansion of the universe and has a different formula. A primer on the comparison between estimated and measured spectral line redshifts is requested for a citation.
  • #1
thrush
5
0
Does anybody know a good read/primer that compares the observed cosmological redshift values to predictions made by the relativistic (gravitational) redshift?

Thank you!
 
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  • #2
The observed cosmological redshift is not viewed as a "gravitational redshift"; the latter concept applies to light emitted from an isolated gravitating body, which the universe is not.
 
  • #3
Are you asking for comparision of what is observed and what is predicted by the theory?
 
  • #4
Sorry I missed the response emails...

The observed cosmological redshift is not viewed as a "gravitational redshift"; the latter concept applies to light emitted from an isolated gravitating body, which the universe is not.

Sounds right, thank you.

Are you asking for comparision of what is observed and what is predicted by the theory?

Thank you, yes. What I am looking for is a primer on the comparison between the estimated spectral line redshift from say, a star:

[itex]\frac{\lambda_{r}}{\lambda_{e}}=\frac{\sqrt{1-\frac{2GM}{R_{r}C^{2}}}}{\sqrt{1-\frac{2GM}{R_{e}C^{2}}}}[/itex]

and that which is actually measured here on Earth, and how the two differ. It's actually for a citation, so almost anything will do.

THANKS!
 
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  • #5
thrush said:
What I am looking for is a primer on the comparison between the estimated spectral line redshift from say, a star:

Just to confirm, this is not "cosmological redshift". This is ordinary gravitational redshift, and it has been measured in spectral lines from the Sun and from white dwarfs, and the results are in agreement with the GR prediction. See, for example, here:

http://www.einstein-online.info/spotlights/redshift_white_dwarfs

This article notes that many sources quote gravitational redshifts as a speed, which can cause confusion: this does not mean that the gravitational redshift is due to the Doppler effect. Nor does it mean that gravitational redshift is the same as cosmological redshift, which is also often quoted as a recession speed. Cosmological redshift is due to the expansion of the universe, and the formula for it is quite different from the one you give.
 

Related to Cosmological vs. Relativistic Doppler Shift

1. What is the difference between cosmological and relativistic Doppler shift?

Cosmological Doppler shift refers to the redshift or blueshift of light from distant galaxies due to the expansion of the universe. Relativistic Doppler shift, on the other hand, is the change in frequency of light or other waves due to the relative motion between the source and observer, as predicted by Albert Einstein's theory of relativity.

2. How does the cosmological Doppler shift affect our understanding of the universe?

The cosmological Doppler shift is a key piece of evidence for the Big Bang theory, as it demonstrates the expansion of the universe. By studying the redshift of light from distant galaxies, scientists can also determine the distance and age of the universe.

3. What is the formula for calculating the relativistic Doppler shift?

The formula for calculating the relativistic Doppler shift is (1 + v/c) / (1 - v/c), where v is the relative velocity between the source and observer, and c is the speed of light.

4. Can the cosmological Doppler shift be observed on a smaller scale?

Yes, the cosmological Doppler shift can also be observed in the spectra of stars and galaxies within our own Milky Way galaxy. This is known as the "peculiar velocity" of these objects, caused by their motion relative to us.

5. How do astronomers use the Doppler shift to study the universe?

Astronomers use the Doppler shift to study the movement and distance of celestial objects, as well as to measure the expansion rate of the universe. They can also use the Doppler shift to detect exoplanets by observing the small wobble in a star's spectrum caused by the planet's gravitational pull.

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