Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of the Doppler shift formula for an observer in circular motion around a light source, specifically a star. Participants explore the mathematical relationships involved in calculating the Doppler shift as perceived by the observer due to their motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using the angle change formula to analyze the Doppler shift for an observer in circular motion.
  • Another participant clarifies that the Doppler shift in question pertains to light emitted from the star.
  • A participant calculates the velocity component parallel to the light wave, resulting in a value of ##-v^2/c##, and applies this to the Doppler shift formula, suggesting it leads to a result consistent with the transverse Doppler shift.
  • There is an acknowledgment that the method used leads to the same result as previously known approaches, indicating a connection between the two methods.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of the calculations, but there is a shared understanding of the mathematical relationships involved. The discussion remains exploratory without definitive conclusions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations or assumptions in the calculations, such as the effects of relativistic speeds or the specific conditions under which the Doppler shift is analyzed.

BiGyElLoWhAt
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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?
 
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Doppler shift of what? Light coming from the star?
 
Yes.
 
What answer do you get when you apply your method?
 
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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.
 

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