Astronomy & space · Advanced university
Redshift from a spectral line · formula reference
This measured wavelength ratio alone does not select a velocity-distance model.
Formula
This measured wavelength ratio alone does not select a velocity-distance model.
z = λobs/λrest − 1
Worked example
A model line has rest wavelength 590 nm and observed wavelength 3481 nm. Find redshift z. Round the final result to 4 decimal places if needed.
Use z=λobs/λrest−1 = 3481/590−1.
4.9
Prerequisites and checking
Algebra and the topic definitions. Keep units and rounding consistent. State the model conditions before applying the formula.
Further reading and review references
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