What is the Period of the Sun's Rotation Based on Doppler Shift of Light?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the Sun's rotation period using the Doppler shift of the H_alpha line. The observed wavelength difference due to the Sun's rotation is given, and the user is attempting to apply relativistic effects to calculate the velocity and subsequently the rotation period. There is a debate on whether a classical approach would yield a simpler and sufficiently accurate result compared to a relativistic calculation. The user expresses uncertainty about their calculations and seeks confirmation on their assumptions. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the complexities of applying relativistic versus classical physics to astronomical measurements.
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I have to calculate the suns period time, when given the following information;

"The H_{alpha} line has the wavelength \lambda_0 = 656.1~nm. Measuring this spectrum from opposite sites of the suns equator, shows that there is a difference between that is \Delta \lambda=9\times 10^{-12}~m. Asume that this effect is due to the rotation of the sun. Find the period, when the suns radius is 1.4 x 10^6 km."

Wouldn't the difference just be (if calculated relativisticly)

\Delta \lambda = \left( \sqrt{\frac{1+v/c}{1-v/c}} - \sqrt{\frac{1-v/c}{1+v/c}} \right)\lambda_0

Then just solving for v in that equation, and the periode would then be 2\pi r/v? I just want to know if my assumption is correct, because I keep getting the wrong answer. If the assumption is correct then I just have better check my math.
 
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Why do you need to calculate it relativistically? It's just a doppler frequency shift, not a gravitational red shift.
 
Yea why wouldn't I just calculate it classical, a lot less algebra, and gives the right answer. But even though calculating relativisticly I should get and answer almost equal to the classical one. But then again, I must have made an error in the calculation. Thanks any way.
 
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