Redshift
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Redshift
Fisher's Physicists
Download film (right-click)Demonstration , Explanation , Physics , Secondary
A very basic way to demonstrate the Doppler Effect, and hence explain redshift.
Director's Notes:
A straightforward demonstration of the Doppler effect, here extended to explain stellar redshift.
For a quick write-up of the featured experiment, see this page at Seed; there’s also a fully-illustrated example.
SciCast Notes:
A good clear description of an experiment, this — filming ‘make&do’ is deceptively tricky, and even professional directors get caught out and forget to point the camera at the props. But this film is good and clear, well done.
Overall it’d clearly benefit from being edited down a bit. Personally I quite like the verbal fluffs and pauses — it’s honest! — but it’d be worth having a look to see what the film’s like with those taken out. More importantly, however, there’s something like a repeat in the way the film works. With a little care and a shrewd eye, I’ve a hunch it could be a minute shorter without losing any real content. What do you think?
Good effort, though - it’s an excellent demonstration to pick, a clear description, and it’s linked to a solid bit of physics.
— Jonathan.