In this lesson, we will learn how to calculate the radial velocity of a star or galaxy using the amount by which absorption lines in the spectrum of light from it are shifted.
Q1:
The diagram shows the spectral lines in the light from two galaxies, as well as the same spectral lines in the light from a laboratory source.
How is Galaxy A moving relative to Earth?
How is Galaxy B moving relative to Earth?
Which galaxy is moving faster relative to Earth?
Q2:
The diagram shows the absorption lines in a spectrum from a distant star compared to those in a spectrum from a laboratory sample. How is the star moving relative to Earth?
Q3:
An astronomer looks at the absorption lines in the spectrum of light coming from a distant galaxy. He identifies the absorption lines of hydrogen, which makes up most of the galaxy. He then compares these lines to the same absorption lines from a laboratory sample. His results are shown in the diagram.
How is the galaxy moving in relation to Earth?
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