redshift

or red shift

[ red-shift ]
/ ˈrɛdˌʃɪft /

noun Astronomy.

a shift toward longer wavelengths of the spectral lines emitted by a celestial object that is caused by the object moving away from the earth.

Origin of redshift

First recorded in 1920–25; red1 + shift

British Dictionary definitions for red shift

redshift
/ (ˈredˌʃɪft) /

noun

a shift in the lines of the spectrum of an astronomical object towards a longer wavelength (the red end of an optical spectrum), relative to the wavelength of these lines in the terrestrial spectrum, usually as a result of the Doppler effect caused by the recession of the object Compare: blueshift

Scientific definitions for red shift

red shift

See under Doppler effect.

Cultural definitions for red shift

red shift

In physics, the reddening of light sent out by an object that is moving away from an observer. (See Doppler effect.)

notes for red shift

The red shift that can be observed in light from distant galaxies suggests that the universe is expanding, and thus supports the Big Bang theory.