In 6–8 sentences, write a summary of what you learned from this activity. Include
an explanation of what causes the spectral shifts you observed. Also, explain how
scientists might use spectra analysis to support the big bang theory
In this activity, I learned about the concept of spectral shifts and the factors that cause them. Spectral shifts occur when there is a shift in the wavelengths of light emitted or absorbed by an object. We observed two types of spectral shifts - the Doppler shift and the cosmological redshift.
The Doppler shift occurs due to the relative motion between the source of light and the observer. If the source is moving away from the observer, the wavelengths of the light appear longer and the object appears redshifted. Conversely, if the source is moving towards the observer, the wavelengths appear shorter and the object appears blueshifted.
On the other hand, cosmological redshift is caused by the expansion of the universe. As space expands, the wavelengths of light also expand, causing the light to be stretched and appear redshifted. This shift in the light's spectrum helps us understand the velocity at which galaxies and other celestial objects are moving away from us.
Scientists use spectral analysis to support the Big Bang theory by examining the redshift of light from distant galaxies. Since the universe is expanding, light from distant galaxies gets stretched more than light from nearby galaxies. By analyzing the spectra of these galaxies, scientists can determine how much the light has been redshifted and calculate the velocity and distance of the galaxies. This analysis supports the Big Bang theory as it provides evidence for the idea that the universe is continuously expanding.