overlap.gif (7997 bytes)


The Doppler Shift

The spectral lines of atoms and molecules have well measured wavelengths.  For example the red line of hydrogen is at a wavelength of 0.656285 mm

displaymath59


The lower spectrum is shifted toward longer wavelength (Red shifted),
indicating that the source is moving away from the observer.


Important Points

[Back]


Last Updated: 12/2/98