The relativistic Doppler effect: when a zero frequency shift or a red shift exists for sources approaching the observer
Abstract
It is shown without making use of Lorentz transformation that there exists a phenomenon of relativistic zero-frequency shift in Doppler effect for a plane wave in free space, observed in two inertial frames of relative motion, and the zero shift takes place at a maximum aberration of light. When it is applied to analysis of a moving point light source, two unconventional physical implications result: (1) a light source, when it is approaching (moving closer to) the observer, may cause a red shift; (2) a zero-frequency-shift observation does not necessarily mean that the light source is not moving closer, and in contrast, the light source may be moving closer to the observer at a high speed. This fundamental result of special relativity may provide an alternative way to experimentally examine the principle of relativity, and might have a significant application in astrophysics.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1006.4407,
title = {The relativistic Doppler effect: when a zero frequency shift or a red shift exists for sources approaching the observer},
author = {Changbiao Wang},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1006.4407},
year = {2012}
}
Comments
(1) The words:"...for a plane wave in free space, observed in two inertial frames of relative motion,...the definitions of 'approaching' and 'receding' do not apply. When the zero-shift effect is applied to approximate analysis..." are added on p. 7. (2) "Reply to Comment by Sfarti" is added on p. 9. 7 figures, 9 pages