Gravitational Redshift Calculator
Calculate frequency shift in gravitational fields
About this calculator
The Gravitational Redshift Calculator determines how electromagnetic radiation frequency changes when photons travel through gravitational fields. This phenomenon occurs because gravity affects spacetime, causing light to lose energy (redshift) when escaping gravitational wells or gain energy (blueshift) when falling into them. This tool is essential for astrophysicists studying stellar observations, GPS satellite corrections, and general relativity applications where precise frequency measurements are critical for accurate data interpretation.
How to use
Enter the initial frequency of electromagnetic radiation and the gravitational potential difference between source and observer locations. The calculator applies Einstein's general relativity equations to compute the final observed frequency. Results show both the shifted frequency and the relative frequency change, helping you understand gravitational effects on light propagation.
Frequently asked questions
What causes gravitational redshift?
Gravitational redshift occurs when photons lose energy climbing out of gravitational wells, causing their frequency to decrease and wavelength to increase according to general relativity.
How does this affect GPS satellites?
GPS satellites experience gravitational blueshift due to weaker gravity at higher altitudes, requiring frequency corrections of about 38 microseconds per day for accurate positioning.
Can gravitational redshift create blueshift?
Yes, when light falls into stronger gravitational fields, photons gain energy, increasing frequency and creating gravitational blueshift rather than redshift.