How to measure a 21 cm EM wave if it is Doppler shifted?

In summary, the 21 cm line has been considered as the first light after the big bang and is used as a useful probe for redshifts up to 150. However, the CMB is actually more correct to call "first light" and is redshifted by ~1100 times. The Wikipedia section on the hydrogen line provides a good overview of the effects of redshift on 21 cm observations and highlights contamination of the signal as a serious issue.
  • #1
atomiclaser
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TL;DR Summary
21 cm was considered as the first light after big bang. How does people measure this emission ?
we know that all emission from asctrophysical context is doppler shifted. So, how to make sure the doppler shifted 21 cm not contaminated by some other emission?
 
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  • #2
atomiclaser said:
Summary:: 21 cm was considered as the first light after big bang. How does people measure this emission ?

we know that all emission from asctrophysical context is doppler shifted. So, how to make sure the doppler shifted 21 cm not contaminated by some other emission?
The statement is incorrect. The observations of 21cm line is an useful probe for redshifts up to 150, while CMB (which is more correct to call "first light") is redshifted by ~1100 times.
The wikipedia section
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_line#In_cosmology
gives a good overview on effects of redshift on 21cm observation. Contamination of signal is indeed a very serious issue.
 

1. How do you measure a 21 cm EM wave if it is Doppler shifted?

To measure a 21 cm EM wave that is Doppler shifted, you would need to use a radio telescope. This telescope is equipped with a receiver that can detect the 21 cm wavelength and measure its frequency. The frequency of the wave can then be compared to the expected frequency to determine the amount of Doppler shift.

2. What is the expected frequency of a 21 cm EM wave?

The expected frequency of a 21 cm EM wave is approximately 1420 MHz. This is known as the "hydrogen line" and is used as a standard for measuring Doppler shifts in space.

3. What is the significance of measuring a 21 cm EM wave?

Measuring a 21 cm EM wave can provide valuable information about the motion and distribution of hydrogen gas in space. This can help scientists study the structure and evolution of galaxies, as well as the dynamics of cosmic objects such as stars and planets.

4. Can the Doppler shift of a 21 cm EM wave be used to determine the speed of an object?

Yes, the amount of Doppler shift in a 21 cm EM wave can be used to calculate the speed of an object. This is known as the Doppler effect and is commonly used in astronomy to measure the velocities of celestial objects.

5. Are there any other methods for measuring a 21 cm EM wave besides using a radio telescope?

Yes, there are other methods for measuring a 21 cm EM wave. For example, the wave can also be detected using a spectrometer, which measures the intensity of the wave at different frequencies. Additionally, spacecrafts can also be equipped with instruments to measure 21 cm waves in space.

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