Physics Home > Teaching Labs > Astronomy > Hubble Redshift Distance Relation

Topics

Points of Emphasis

Prerequisites

Lab Activities

This lab repeats the experiment done by Edwin Hubble when he first measured the distances of the galaxies. The students tasks are to

• the relationship between the redshift in spectra of distance galaxies and their distances from Earth; and
• using the determined redshift distance relationship, estimate the rate of expansion of the universe and to estimate the age of the universe.

The lab is done on a computer using a program which will simulate an observing session at a telescope. The lab write-up contains complete instructions on the use of the software and the calculations required to determine the rate of expansion and the age of the universe.

Course Level

Introductory

Student Handouts

Equipment

Number of set-ups available: 1 Per lab station: 1 computer workstation with the appropriate software installed

Notes

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