Optimizing Gravitational Redshift Measurements: Techniques and Targets

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around methods for measuring gravitational redshift using small telescopes, including the feasibility of such measurements and the celestial targets where the effect is most pronounced. Participants explore both theoretical and practical aspects of the topic.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the best methods for measuring gravitational redshift with small telescopes and the stars where this effect is strongest.
  • One participant argues that measuring gravitational redshift with small telescopes is not feasible, suggesting that large observatory-sized apertures are necessary to gather sufficient light.
  • Another participant mentions that gravitational redshift has been measured with the Sun using a small telescope, indicating that specialized filters could allow for such measurements.
  • Concerns are raised about the reliability of measurements without expensive instruments, with one participant estimating that building a magnetic-optical filter could cost around $10K in parts.
  • One participant suggests that reproducing the Pound-Rebka experiment could be a viable and budget-friendly option for detecting gravitational redshift.
  • Another participant proposes that GPS technology, which relies on General Relativity, could potentially be adapted to detect gravitational redshift.
  • There is a reiteration of the high costs associated with the necessary equipment for extrasolar redshift measurements, with some participants expressing skepticism about the practicality of such endeavors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of measuring gravitational redshift with small telescopes, with some arguing it is possible under certain conditions while others maintain it is impractical without significant investment in equipment. No consensus is reached on the best methods or targets for such measurements.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention various assumptions regarding the necessary equipment and conditions for measuring gravitational redshift, indicating that the discussion is limited by the participants' differing perspectives on the practicality and cost of the proposed methods.

bigray69
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what is the best method to measure gravitational redshift using a small telescope ?
and in which stars the effect is the strongest ?
 
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It can't be done. You need huge [think observatory size] aperature to gather enough light to take such measurements.
 
bigray69 said:
what is the best method to measure gravitational redshift using a small telescope ?
and in which stars the effect is the strongest ?

The gravitational redshift has been measured with the Sun and a small telescope.

http://www.springerlink.com/content/x76qp33619185754/

It requires a specialized filter, but I think this is something that can be build in someones garage.
 
Pardon my extrasolar assumption. I still doubt you can do this reliably without very expensive instruments.
 
Last edited:
Chronos said:
Pardon my extrasolar assumption. I still doubt you can do this reliably without very expensive instruments.

There's "I'll get sell my car expensive" and "We'll need a appropriation from Congress expensive". Looking over how to build a magnetic-optical filter that will let you see solar gravitational redshift, I'm guessing that it can be built for about $10K in parts.

Also, if you want to detect gravitational redshift in your backyard, reproducing the Pound-Rebka experiment could be done on a budget.

Finally, GPS relies on General relativity to work, and if we thinking about it, I think we could come up with a way of hacking some GPS devices to detect gravitational redshift.
 
bigray69 said:
what is the best method to measure gravitational redshift using a small telescope ?
and in which stars the effect is the strongest ?

You're already paying taxes so this can be done. Enjoy the results! Most of them can be found on Wikipedia or on NASA resources.
 
twofish-quant said:
... Looking over how to build a magnetic-optical filter that will let you see solar gravitational redshift, I'm guessing that it can be built for about $10K in parts.
I deem that 'expensive', and, useless for extrasolar redshift measurements using an amateur size telescope.
 

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