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gravitational redshift
gravitational redshift The redshift of light or other electromagnetic radiation caused by a strong gravitational field; also known as the Einstein shift. It arises because radiation loses energy as it passes out of the gravitational field of the emitting body. As a consequence, the frequency of the radiation decreases and its wavelength is shifted to the red end of the spectrum. The redshift at wavelength λ is given by Gm λ/c2 r, where m is the mass of the body, r is the distance of the emitting region from the centre of mass, c is the speed of light, and G is the universal gravitational constant. Small gravitational redshifts are observed in transmissions between receivers at different altitudes on Earth, and between satellites and receivers on the Earth. A gravitational redshift has been observed in the light from some white dwarfs, and would result in the rapid fading out of a black hole in the process of formation as seen from outside.
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"gravitational redshift." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "gravitational redshift." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-gravitationalredshift.html "gravitational redshift." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-gravitationalredshift.html |
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Einstein shift
Einstein shift Another name for gravitational redshift.
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Cite this article
"Einstein shift." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 1 Jun. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Einstein shift." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (June 1, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-Einsteinshift.html "Einstein shift." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved June 01, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-Einsteinshift.html |
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