Doppler Imaging

Doppler Imaging is a technique used in astronomy to visualize the surface features of rotating stars or planets. By analyzing the light they emit, scientists can detect changes in the wavelengths due to the Doppler effect: light from parts of the object moving towards us shifts to shorter wavelengths (blue) and from those moving away shifts to longer wavelengths (red). This allows researchers to create detailed maps showing areas of different temperatures, chemical compositions, and even surface phenomena, enhancing our understanding of celestial bodies’ characteristics and behaviors.