radial velocity

radial velocity

radial velocity A measure of the velocity of an astronomical object along the observer's line of sight. The radial velocity is determined by comparing the wavelengths of lines in the object's spectrum with their laboratory values, the differences being due to the Doppler shift. Corrections are usually applied for the Earth's rotation on its axis and its orbital motion around the Sun. By convention, velocities away from us (redshifts) are positive; those towards us (blueshifts), negative. See also redshift.

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"radial velocity." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"radial velocity." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-radialvelocity.html

"radial velocity." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-radialvelocity.html

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radial velocity

radial velocity in astronomy, the speed with which a star moves toward or away from the sun. It is determined from the red or blue shift in the star's spectrum .

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"radial velocity." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

"radial velocity." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-radialve.html

"radial velocity." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2011. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-radialve.html

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