Vöröseltolódás

Vöröseltolódás, meaning "redshift" in Hungarian, is a fundamental concept in astronomy and cosmology. It describes the phenomenon where electromagnetic radiation from an object undergoes an increase in wavelength. This stretching of light waves is most commonly observed when the source of the light is moving away from the observer. The effect is analogous to the Doppler effect observed with sound waves, where a siren's pitch lowers as it moves away.

In the context of light, as a celestial object recedes, the light waves it emits are stretched out, shifting towards the red end of the visible spectrum. This is why the phenomenon is termed "redshift." Conversely, if an object is moving towards an observer, its light waves are compressed, resulting in a blueshift.

The most significant application of redshift is in measuring the expansion of the universe. By observing the redshift of light from distant galaxies, astronomers can determine how fast they are moving away from us. This observation, pioneered by Edwin Hubble, provides strong evidence for the Big Bang theory and the ongoing expansion of spacetime. The amount of redshift is directly proportional to the distance of the galaxy, a relationship known as Hubble's Law. Redshift is also crucial in studying the dynamics of galaxies within clusters and understanding the rotation of celestial bodies. Different types of redshift exist, including cosmological redshift, peculiar redshift, and gravitational redshift, each arising from distinct physical processes.