Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on applying the angle change formula for an observer in circular motion around a light source, specifically a star. The formula used is cos θ_o = (cos θ_s - v/c) / (1 - (v/c) cos θ_s), which leads to calculating the velocity component parallel to the light wave. The resulting Doppler shift formula f_s/f_0 = √((1 + β) / (1 - β)) yields a transverse Doppler shift, confirming the relationship between the observer's motion and the perceived frequency of light. This analysis demonstrates the mathematical consistency of Doppler effects in circular motion.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Doppler effect in physics
  • Familiarity with trigonometric functions and their applications
  • Knowledge of special relativity concepts, particularly time dilation
  • Basic proficiency in mathematical manipulation of formulas
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of transverse Doppler shift in astrophysics
  • Explore the derivation of the Lorentz transformation in special relativity
  • Investigate the effects of relativistic speeds on light perception
  • Learn about the applications of Doppler shift in astronomical observations
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, astronomy students, and anyone interested in the effects of motion on light frequency, particularly in the context of special relativity and Doppler effects.

BiGyElLoWhAt
Gold Member
Messages
1,637
Reaction score
138
Say we have an observer in perfectly circular motion around a source, like a star.

Is it reasonable to apply the angle change formula ##cos \theta_o = \frac{cos \theta_s - \frac{v}{c}}{1-\frac{v}{c}cos \theta_s}## and then take the component of the motion parallel to the light wave in the observers frame and apply the doppler shift formula to it in order to obtain a doppler shift?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Doppler shift of what? Light coming from the star?
 
Yes.
 
What answer do you get when you apply your method?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BiGyElLoWhAt
Well, the velocity component parallel to light comes out to be ##-v^2/c## using a coordinate system such that the light from the source always points along the y-axis (and thus the observer is moving along the x axis).
Plugging that into the doppler shift formula ##f_s/f_0 = \sqrt{\frac{1+\beta}{1-\beta}}## you get ##\frac{f_s}{f_0} = \frac{1+\frac{-v^2}{c^2}}{1-\frac{-v^2}{c^2}}## whiiichhh appears to be the transverse doppler shift. That's cool. Thanks.

*-x axis, because convention, +theta direction.
 
I suppose I should have just worked it out. I didn't realize that they led to the same thing.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 60 ·
3
Replies
60
Views
6K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K