1. What is the Redshift Factor?

The redshift factor (z) quantifies how much the light from an object has been stretched (redshifted) due to the expansion of the universe. It's a dimensionless quantity that relates the observed wavelength to the emitted wavelength.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the redshift equation:

Where:

• \( z \) — Redshift factor (dimensionless)
• \( \lambda_{obs} \) — Observed wavelength (m)
• \( \lambda_{rest} \) — Rest (emitted) wavelength (m)

Explanation: The equation shows how much the light has been stretched by comparing the wavelength we observe to the wavelength at which it was originally emitted.

3. Importance of Redshift Calculation

Details: Redshift is crucial in astronomy for determining distances to galaxies, studying the expansion of the universe, and identifying the nature of cosmic objects.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both wavelengths in meters. The rest wavelength is typically known from laboratory measurements of spectral lines.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a redshift of z=0 mean?
A: A redshift of zero means there's no wavelength shift - the observed wavelength equals the rest wavelength.

Q2: Can redshift be negative?
A: Yes, negative redshift (blueshift) occurs when objects are moving toward us, compressing the light waves.

Q3: What's a typical redshift for distant galaxies?
A: Nearby galaxies might have z≈0.001-0.1, while the most distant observed galaxies have z>7.

Q4: How does redshift relate to distance?
A: For cosmological distances, redshift is related to distance through Hubble's law, though the exact relationship depends on the cosmological model.

Q5: What's the highest observed redshift?
A: As of 2023, the highest confirmed spectroscopic redshift is z≈13 for galaxy JADES-GS-z13-0.