Redshift to Velocity Calculator:
Enter the values of redshift ratio, Z and speed of light in vacuum, C(km/s) to determine the value of velocity, V(m/s).
Redshift to Velocity Formula:
Redshift (Z) is a measure of how much the wavelength of light or other electromagnetic radiation has been stretched by the expansion of the universe.
In astronomy, observing the redshift of celestial objects allows scientists to determine how fast an object is moving away from us.
This movement is not due to the object itself moving through space in the conventional sense but rather the expansion of space itself.
Velocity, V(m/s) in metres per seconds is calculated by multiplying redshift ratio, Z and speed of light in vacuum, C(km/s) in kilometres per seconds (299,792km/s).
Velocity, V(m/s) = Z * C(km/s)
V(m/s) = velocity in metres per seconds, m/s.
Z = redshift ratio.
C(km/s) = speed of light in kilometres per seconds, km/s.
Redshift to Velocity Calculation:
1.A distant galaxy is observed with a redshift of 0.05. Calculate its velocity relative to Earth.
Given: Z = 0.05, C(km/s) = 299,792km/s.
Velocity, V(m/s) = Z * C(km/s)
V(m/s) = 0.05 * 299,792
V(m/s) = 14,989.6
2.Another galaxy shows a approximate velocity 29,979.2, find redshift ratio.
Given: V(m/s) = 29,979.2, C(km/s) = 299,792km/s.
Velocity, V(m/s) = Z * C(km/s)
Z = V(m/s) / C(km/s)
Z = 29,979.2 / 299,792
Z = 0.1.
Applications and Considerations:
- Observational Astronomy: This formula is essential for astronomers studying the motion and distance of celestial objects, especially in the field of extragalactic astronomy and cosmology.
- Limitations: For very high redshift values, the simple linear relation between redshift and velocity breaks down, and relativistic formulas must be used to achieve accurate results.
- Expansion of the Universe: Understanding redshift and deriving velocities from it help support the Big Bang theory and the ongoing expansion of the universe.