`\Delta \lambda = lambda (V/c)`

0.4861

The Wavelength Shift calculator computes the shift in the wavelength of light (Δλ) based on the relative velocity (V) and the nominal wavelength of the light source (λ)

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose units and enter the following:

• (V) Relative Velocity of Light Emitting Source.
• (λ) Wavelength of Light from Emitting Source w/o any velocity shift.

Wavelength Shift(Δλ):  The calculator computes the shift in wavelength (Δλ) in nanometers.  However, this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.

The Math / Science

The formula for Wavelength Shift is:

      Δλ = λ•(V/C)

where:

• Δλ = Wavelength Shift
• λ = wavelength
• V = velocity
• C = Speed of Light

A source of light moving toward or away from an observer will have it's spectrum shifted toward the blue (moving toward) or to the red (moving away). This formula gives the magnitude of the wavelength shift given the speed of the source relative to the observer (for speeds well below the speed of light only!).

Astronomy Calculators

• Kepler's 3^rd Law formula T² = (4π • R³)/(G • M)
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  • (G) - universal gravity constant
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• Luminosity and other Formulas
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