[Bob Campbell]

Hi RP,


Here are some additional thoughts to consider regarding red shift and blue shift.


In a discontinuous universe there is a ready explanation because space is defined by the distance light can travel in a single space frame relative to each atom, and time is defined by the synchronous projection of successive discrete frames of all atoms everywhere in the universe at once.


If we then consider that a star is moving toward us it is doing so in quantum jumps in position relative to us. This involves relative skipping of synchronous space frames in our stationary frame of reference relative to the approaching object. This obviously must compress the frequency of the light toward the blue end of the spectrum because the same pattern of spectral lines is seen in fewer of our reference space frames. The frequency of the light thus appears more compressed and the wavelengths shorter.


If the star is moving away from us in quantum jumps relative to us, then the light has to travel farther with each jump or skipped space frame in our stationary frame of reference. This makes the wavelength appear proportionally longer and the relative frequency of the pattern of spectral lines is shifted toward the red end where frequency is less.


If the star is moving laterally there are no relative skipped space frames in our reference frame relative to the star, not in the direction that the light is moving toward us, since this distance is relatively constant. This remains so even though there is still a small relative time dilation between the star and us.


If we assume with general relativity that there is such a thing as a spacetime continuum that is infinitely divisible then one is hard pressed for a clear conceptual reason why the light should be red or blue shifted at all. It must be travelling at a constant speed irrespective of relative velocity and if the velocity is continuous the light should come to us continuously without a significant shift in frequency or wavelength.


This dilemma is similar to Zeno’s paradox. If the arrow goes half way to the target in half the time, then half the remaining distance in half the remaining time, and so on, then logically the arrow never quite gets to the target.


Zeno’s paradox assumes that space and time are infinitely divisible. But if space is defined by light in discrete increments relative to each atomic space frame, and if the arrow continues to make constant discrete quantum jumps in position relative to the stationary target consistent with its inertial velocity, then the arrow must hit the target on time. Then there is no paradox.


Hope this might help you to sort it out conceptually.

Best wishes,
Bob