Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the behavior of redshift along and perpendicular to the galactic plane, particularly in relation to the measurement of redshifts of stars and the influence of the Milky Way's structure and motion. Participants explore the implications of galactic rotation, random stellar motion, and the effects of dust on light observed from Earth.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Technical explanation
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions whether redshifts measured from stars behind the galactic plane are averaged higher due to the concentration of stars in that region.
- Another participant asserts that red- and blueshift within the galaxy arise from its overall rotation and random stellar motion, suggesting that cosmological redshift does not apply within the galaxy.
- A participant challenges the claim that there is no cosmological redshift from stars within the galaxy, pointing out that light from background stars passes through the Milky Way and questioning the uniformity of redshift distribution across the sky.
- Discussion includes the integrated Sachs-Wolfe effect, with one participant noting that the Milky Way's contribution to this effect is minimal.
- Another participant introduces the concept of dust extinction, explaining how it affects light observed from Earth, and discusses the Doppler effect related to the rotation of the galaxy.
- Concerns are raised about the visibility of stars on the far side of the galaxy due to dust, suggesting that if they were visible, their redshift would not be measurable due to their perpendicular motion relative to the observer.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the presence and implications of redshift within the galaxy, with no consensus reached on whether redshifts are higher along the galactic plane or if they are uniformly distributed. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the effects of dust and the nature of redshift in this context.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight limitations in visibility due to dust obscuring stars, and the discussion reflects varying assumptions about the nature of redshift and its measurement within the Milky Way.