The light emitted by celestial objects can have its wavelength "stretched" in different ways before it is observed by astronomers. These stretching phenomena are collectively called "redshift". They influence virtually all aspects of astronomy and even underpin the "Big Bang" theory of the creation of the universe. This book details the types of redshift and explains their myriad of uses. It begins by introducing the nature of light and the problems involved in measuring its properties. After explaining the redshift phenomena and their uses, the book touches on the age and size of the universe; two subjects embroiled in controversy because of our current interpretation of the redshift. Less conventional theories are then expressed. As a by-product of the explanation of redshift, the book offers the reader a basic understanding of Einstein's theory of relativity. Mathematical treatments of the concepts introduced in the text are boxed off and should not detract from the book's readibility, but allow it to be used as a textbook by students of astronomy at all levels. It is also suitable for astronomers and astrophysicists, amateur astronomers, and any science enthusiast.
Reihe
Sprache
Verlagsort
Zielgruppe
Für höhere Schule und Studium
Für Beruf und Forschung
Illustrationen
bibliography, glossary, index
Maße
Höhe: 240 mm
Breite: 210 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-900458-66-8 (9780900458668)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Part 1 The nature of light: light as a wave; the speed of light; the luminiferous aether; the special theory of relativity; splitting light into a spectrum; light as a particle; redshift. Part 2 The Doppler effect: radial velocity; rotation of the galaxy; spectroscopic binaries; Doppler broadening; relativistic Doppler effect; transverse Doppler shift; Doppler boosting in acitve galaxies. Part 3 Gravitational redshift: the spacetime continuum; the principle of equivalence; the gravitational wavelength shift; measuring the gravitational redshift; black holes; black holes in active galaxies; the shadow of creation. Part 4 Cosmological redshift: Hubble's work on galaxies; the classification of galaxies; the distance-redshift relationship; the Hubble constant; the expanding universe; mapping the universe; interpreting the cosmological redshift; the evolving universe; the age and fate of the universe. Part 5 Unconventional interpretations of redshift: anomalous stellar redshifts; discrepant redshifts; redshift and Hubble galaxy type; quantized redshifts; periodic redshifts due to clustering; superluminal motion; quasar pairs; quasar-galaxy links; tired light; the Wolf effect; the age interpretation; non-linear Hubble laws.
