[Curiosity] Are there any central databases of Red Shift?

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Thread starter standard_dev
Start date Apr 18, 2019
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Curiosity Red shift Shift

In summary, red shift is a phenomenon where light from an object appears to have longer wavelengths, shifting towards the red end of the color spectrum due to the object moving away from the observer. It is measured using a unit called "z" and is used to study the expansion of the universe and the movement of galaxies. There are central databases of red shift, such as NED, SDSS, and the Cosmicflows Database, which compile information for scientists to study. Red shift is also related to the Big Bang theory, providing evidence for the expanding universe.

Apr 18, 2019

standard_dev

I'm curious to know if there are any central databases of red shift - whether stars, galaxies or other objects.

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Apr 18, 2019

jim mcnamara

Mentor

Yes - for example, this one lists 200000+ objects: https://primus.ucsd.edu/version1.html

Apr 19, 2019

kimbyd

Science Advisor

Gold Member

Here's another:
http://ned.ipac.caltech.edu/

There's a learning curve, but it's a massive database of astronomical objects.

1. What is redshift and why is it important in astronomy?

Redshift is a phenomenon where the light from an object appears to be shifted towards the red end of the spectrum. It is important in astronomy because it can provide information about the distance and speed of objects in the universe.

2. How is redshift measured?

Redshift is measured using a spectroscope, which separates light into its different wavelengths. The amount of redshift can be determined by comparing the observed wavelength of a known spectral line to its expected wavelength.

3. Are there any central databases of redshift data?

Yes, there are several central databases of redshift data, such as the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database (NED) and the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) database. These databases compile redshift data from various sources and make it accessible to researchers.

4. How is redshift used to study the expansion of the universe?

Redshift is used to study the expansion of the universe through the Hubble's law, which states that the farther a galaxy is from us, the faster it appears to be moving away from us. By measuring the redshift of distant galaxies, scientists can determine their distance and use this information to study the expansion of the universe.

5. Can redshift be used to determine the age of the universe?

Yes, redshift can be used to determine the age of the universe through the Hubble's law and the cosmic microwave background radiation. By measuring the redshift of distant galaxies and the temperature of the cosmic microwave background, scientists can estimate the age of the universe to be around 13.8 billion years.