Can You Get a Cosmic Tan from Lights Across the Universe?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the hypothetical scenario of traveling at high speeds across a line of bright lights in the universe and whether Doppler shifting would allow for tanning from standard home lighting. Participants confirm that, theoretically, Doppler shifting could increase the energy of the light, potentially allowing for tanning effects. However, caution is advised as excessive speed could expose the traveler to harmful X-ray or gamma radiation. The relevant equations for frequency and energy transformation are provided, emphasizing the relationship between speed and light frequency.

PREREQUISITES
  • Doppler Effect in physics
  • Understanding of light frequency and energy transformation
  • Basic principles of special relativity
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic radiation types
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Doppler Effect and its applications in astrophysics
  • Study the principles of special relativity and its implications on speed and light
  • Explore the effects of electromagnetic radiation on human health
  • Investigate the physics of tanning and the types of light required for effective tanning
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, astrophysicists, and anyone interested in the effects of high-speed travel on light perception and radiation exposure.

Aaron_Shaw
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Hi. If there were a whole line of bright lights strung from one side of the universe to the other, and i set off from one side to the other at sufficient speed, would the doppler shifiting mean that i could get a sun tan from the lamps that otherwise emit standard light that might be used to light a home?

Thanks.
 
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Aaron_Shaw said:
Hi. If there were a whole line of bright lights strung from one side of the universe to the other, and i set off from one side to the other at sufficient speed, would the doppler shifiting mean that i could get a sun tan from the lamps that otherwise emit standard light that might be used to light a home?

Thanks.

You know that:

Frequency transformation:
\nu'=\nu \sqrt{\frac{1+v/c}{1-v/c}}
Energy transformation:

E'=E\sqrt{\frac{1+v/c}{1-v/c}}
 
Aaron_Shaw said:
Hi. If there were a whole line of bright lights strung from one side of the universe to the other, and i set off from one side to the other at sufficient speed, would the doppler shifiting mean that i could get a sun tan from the lamps that otherwise emit standard light that might be used to light a home?

Thanks.

I would say "Yes". Let us know when you open your first tanning salon. :-)
 
Yes, but don't go too fast or else you'll get a dose of X-ray or gamma radiation.
 

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