Which statement best describes the movement of galaxies in the universe? (1 point)
COURSE TOOLS
• Galaxies are moving away from each other, with closer galaxies moving faster.
• Galaxies are moving toward each other, with closer galaxies moving faster.
• Galaxies are moving toward each other, with galaxies farther away moving faster.
• Galaxies are moving away from each other, with galaxies farther away moving faster.
Galaxies are moving away from each other, with galaxies farther away moving faster.
The correct statement is: "Galaxies are moving away from each other, with galaxies farther away moving faster."
To determine the correct statement about the movement of galaxies in the universe, we can rely on the observations made by astronomers. One of the critical pieces of evidence is the observation of redshift in the light emitted by galaxies.
When light from a distant galaxy is observed, its wavelength appears to be "stretched" or shifted towards the red end of the electromagnetic spectrum. This phenomenon is called redshift and is a result of the Doppler effect, which occurs when there is relative motion between the source of light and the observer.
Based on this observation, astronomers have determined that almost all galaxies are moving away from each other. This means that the correct statement is:
"Galaxies are moving away from each other, with galaxies farther away moving faster."
This concept is a key component of the Big Bang theory, which suggests that the universe is expanding. The redshift observed in the light from galaxies supports this theory by providing evidence of this expansion.