Cosmological vs. Relativistic Doppler Shift

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the comparison between cosmological redshift and gravitational redshift, specifically focusing on the observed values versus theoretical predictions. Participants explore the distinctions between these two types of redshift and seek resources for further understanding.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a primer comparing observed cosmological redshift values to predictions made by relativistic gravitational redshift.
  • Another participant clarifies that cosmological redshift should not be conflated with gravitational redshift, which applies to light from isolated gravitating bodies.
  • A question is posed regarding the comparison of observed data with theoretical predictions.
  • A participant reiterates the distinction between gravitational redshift and cosmological redshift, noting that the latter is due to the universe's expansion and has a different formula than gravitational redshift.
  • Further clarification is provided that gravitational redshift has been measured and aligns with General Relativity predictions, while also addressing common misconceptions regarding the interpretation of redshift as speed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the distinction between cosmological redshift and gravitational redshift, but there is ongoing exploration regarding the specifics of their comparison and implications.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved aspects regarding the specific mathematical formulations and how they relate to observations. The discussion does not fully address the implications of these differences in various contexts.

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

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

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!
 
Last edited:
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.
 

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