A Geometric Derivation of the Doppler Shift for Light

The Doppler effect for light is analyzed using a geometric description of light propagation in vacuum. By considering the actual displacement of the light source relative to the observer during the propagation time of the light signal, expressions for the change in wavelength for approaching and receding motion are derived. The analysis relies solely on the speed of light and the relative velocity between the source and the observer and leads to the classical expressions for the Doppler shift. Figure-based reasoning is used to clarify the geometric relationships.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Open MIND
Published
2026-07-18
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18491433
Primary Topic
Geophysics and Sensor Technology
Type
preprint
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preprint

A Geometric Derivation of the Doppler Shift for Light

Jan Slowak
Open MIND
Geophysics and Sensor Technology
preprint

A Geometric Derivation of the Doppler Shift for Light

Jan Slowak
preprint en

Abstract

The Doppler effect for light is analyzed using a geometric description of light propagation in vacuum. By considering the actual displacement of the light source relative to the observer during the propagation time of the light signal, expressions for the change in wavelength for approaching and receding motion are derived. The analysis relies solely on the speed of light and the relative velocity between the source and the observer and leads to the classical expressions for the Doppler shift. Figure-based reasoning is used to clarify the geometric relationships.

Open MIND
Geophysics and Sensor Technology
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A Geometric Derivation of the Doppler Shift for Light — Jan Slowak · Open MIND (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS