If the spectrum of a star is blue shifted, which way is the star moving?

Question

Leonard Newman

Physics

9 March, 17:35

If the spectrum of a star is blue shifted, which way is the star moving?

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Answers (2)

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Ronnie Browning · Answer 1

If it's blue shifted, the star is moving towards us

Buds · Answer 2

This shifts the star's spectral lines toward the blue end of the spectrum. If the star ismoving away from us, its waves are effectively stretched out when they reach Earth, increasing their wavelength. This shifts the star's spectral lines toward the red end of the spectrum.