Astrophysicists have extensively studied and analyzed the redshift of light from distant stars and galaxies to understand the expansion of the universe. While it's true that light waves can exhibit interference patterns, the observed redshift in cosmology is not explained by such interference effects. Here's why:
Consistent redshift across the spectrum: The redshift of light is not limited to specific wavelengths or colors but affects the entire electromagnetic spectrum consistently. If interference were causing the redshift, it would result in a more complex pattern, with variations at different wavelengths. However, the observed redshift is uniform across the spectrum, which supports the interpretation of a cosmological redshift due to the expansion of space.
Hubble's Law and cosmic microwave background radiation: The redshift of distant galaxies follows Hubble's Law, which states that the redshift is directly proportional to the distance from Earth. This relationship is consistent with the expansion of space, as described by the Big Bang theory. Moreover, the cosmic microwave background radiation, which is the afterglow of the Big Bang, exhibits a specific pattern of redshift, further supporting the understanding that the universe is expanding.
Independent confirmation from multiple observations: The redshift measurements have been independently confirmed using various techniques, such as spectroscopy, which allows astronomers to analyze the properties of light in detail. These measurements consistently show the same redshift pattern across different regions of the sky, indicating a universal expansion rather than interference effects.
Gravitational redshift and other considerations: There are additional factors to consider, such as the gravitational redshift caused by massive objects, which can be distinguished from the cosmological redshift. Astrophysicists take these factors into account when studying redshift and apply corrections to isolate the cosmological component.
While scientists continuously refine their understanding of the universe, the current body of evidence strongly supports the interpretation that the redshift of light from distant celestial objects is primarily due to the expansion of the universe rather than interference effects. Multiple lines of evidence, including the consistency of redshift across the spectrum and the observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation, support the concept of an expanding universe.