Solar Sail/ Mirror Redshift & Blueshift

In summary, a solar sail is a spacecraft propulsion technology that uses sunlight to propel a spacecraft through space. It works by reflecting sunlight off of a large reflective surface, creating a small but constant force. The mirror effect of a solar sail can cause redshift or blueshift if the sail is moving towards or away from a light source. Potential applications of solar sails include space travel, satellite maneuvering, and solar energy collection. Advantages include cost-effectiveness and sustainability, but the small force generated by a solar sail and its ineffectiveness in atmospheric drag are disadvantages. Current advancements in solar sail technology include improved materials, multiple sail configurations, and the potential use of lasers for additional propulsion.
  • #1
God Plays Dice
79
0
Hi all,

I was hoping you could help me out with this one.

Im trying to calculate the redshift or blueshift of a photon that strikes a mirror and reflects.

I know E=pc, and that 2p is the momentum transfer. I also know that kinetic energy is 2p/M (of the mirror).
However, this says that red/blushift isn't dependent on mirror velocity. Surely that's not right?!? If the mirror is moving faster towards the oncoming light, surely the blueshift is greater.

Please clarify
 
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  • #2
I got it, it's Doppler shift. Never mind
 

Related to Solar Sail/ Mirror Redshift & Blueshift

What is a solar sail and how does it work?

A solar sail is a type of spacecraft propulsion technology that uses the pressure of sunlight to propel a spacecraft through space. It works by reflecting sunlight off of a large reflective surface, usually made of a thin, lightweight material such as Mylar, which creates a small but constant force that pushes the spacecraft forward.

How does the mirror effect of a solar sail cause redshift or blueshift?

The mirror effect of a solar sail does not directly cause redshift or blueshift. However, if the solar sail is moving towards a light source, it will cause the light to be blueshifted (shifted towards shorter wavelengths) due to the Doppler effect. If the solar sail is moving away from a light source, it will cause the light to be redshifted (shifted towards longer wavelengths).

What are the potential applications of solar sails?

Solar sails have many potential applications in space exploration, including long-distance space travel, maneuvering and stabilizing satellites and spacecraft, and collecting solar energy for use as a power source. They could also be used for scientific research, such as studying the effects of solar radiation on different materials.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using solar sails?

One of the main advantages of using solar sails is that they do not require any fuel, making them a potentially cost-effective and sustainable method of space propulsion. They also have the potential for long-term, continuous acceleration. However, one major disadvantage is that the force generated by a solar sail is relatively small, so it may take a long time for a spacecraft to reach its destination. Additionally, solar sails are only effective in the vacuum of space and would not work in the presence of atmospheric drag.

What advancements are being made in solar sail technology?

Scientists and engineers are continuously working to improve solar sail technology. Some current advancements include the development of more efficient and durable sail materials, as well as the use of multiple sails or "clusters" to increase the propulsion force. Researchers are also exploring the potential use of lasers to provide additional propulsion for solar sails.

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