Gravity Also Redshifts Light – the Missing Phenomenon That Could Resolve Most Mysteries of the Universe

International Journal of Recent advances in Physics (IJRAP) Vol.12, No.3, August 2023
DOI: 10.14810/ijrap.2023.12302 15
GRAVITY ALSO REDSHIFTS LIGHT – THE MISSING
PHENOMENON THAT COULD RESOLVE MOST
MYSTERIES OF THE UNIVERSE
Cheman Shaik
Independent Researcher, Chicago, USA
ABSTRACT
In this paper I report that gravity also redshifts light as does the velocity of its source. When light travels
toward a super massive object, its waves (or photons) undergo continuous stretching, shifting toward lower
frequencies. Gravity redshifts light irrespective of whether its source is in motion or static with respect to
its observer. An equation was derived for gravitational redshift, and a formula for combined redshift is
presented while considering both velocity and gravity redshifts. The mechanism behind the continuous
downgrade of frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum, as a light beam of mixed frequencies passes
toward a black hole, is also explained. Further, an easy methodology is provided to determine whether the
universe is undergoing an accelerated or decelerated expansion, or alternatively contraction.
KEYWORDS
Gravitational Redshift, Velocity Redshift, Combined Redshift, Frequency Downgrade, Black Hole, Zero-
gravity Frequency, Dark Energy Radius.
1. INTRODUCTION
Redshift is the shifting of light toward lower frequencies as the source of the light moves away
from its observer. It occurs due to the dilation of a light wave resulting from the continuous
increase of distance between its source and observer. Higher the velocity of the moving source,
more the redshift due to greater wave dilation.
Earlier, astrophysicists believed that the universe was undergoing a decelerated expansion
following the big bang explosion. The universe’s expansion should decelerate if gravity is the
only force controlling the expanding universe. However, upon observing and comparing redshifts
of relatively closer and distant galaxies from the Earth, astrophysicists were surprised to note that
the redshift of light from distant galaxies was greater than that of the closer ones, which means
distant galaxies are moving faster than the closer ones. This implies that the universe is
undergoing accelerated expansion, which is hard to believe and justify only with gravitional
effect on matter.
In order to explain why the universe is expanding with acceleration, researchers have been
presuming an unknown force that has a repulsive effect on matter is at work, driving the
expansion. The unknown force was named dark energy, and a continuous search has been
ongoing to discover it in space as well as in laboratories. Despite rigorous trials in the quest for
dark energy, no progress has been made except for multiple hypotheses explaining what dark
energy could be. A majority of astrophysicists believe dark energy does exist, as its absence
breaks the laws of physics in the universe’s accelerated expansion.

16
This report attempts to elucidate the mechanisms of redshift caused by gravity, leading to an
over-estimation of galactic velocities. A formula is derived for estimating the gravitational
redshift of light passing from a galaxy toward a black hole in terms of its dark energy radius and
distance from the galaxy. Further, the down gradation of frequencies is explained when a light
beam of mixed frequencies passes toward a black hole. A method for determining whether the
universe is undergoing accelerated or decelerated expansion or accelerated contraction is also
discussed.
2. RELATED WORK
In 1929, Edwin Hubble’s observation of the redshift of light from distant galaxies led to the
discovery that the universe is expanding [1]. Later in 1998, Saul Perlmutter and Adam Riess
surprised the astrophysicist community with their discovery that the universe is undergoing an
accelerated expansion, which is difficult to understand and explain using the laws of gravity [2].
Winfried et al tried to explain in 2000 the accelerated expansion of the universe by introducing an
antifriction force believed to be acting on particles of the cosmic substratum. They demonstrated
how the dynamics of the cold dark matter model with a cosmological constant may be recovered
as a special case of cosmic antifriction [3].
By conducting statistical tests on large data of supernovae in 2016, Neilson et al inferred A
constant expansion of the universe, rather than an accelerated one. During their tests, they made
corrections for the varying shape of the light curve from supernovae and its extinction by dust
[4].
In 2017, Qingdi et al investigated the gravitational property of the quantum vacuum by treating
its large energy density. Assuming it gravitates to obey the equivalence principle of general
relativity, they found that the quantum vacuum would gravitate differently to accelerate
expansion of the universe [5].
In 2018 Daniel et al proposed an expanding universe surrounded by anisotropic, uniform shell
wherein the overall mass of the structure remains constant. They reported that the new geometry
produced the accelerated expansionbehavior of the universe without requiring any dark energy
[6].
However, in 2020,Haito’scontradictory results showed that the observed accelerated expansion of
the universe is an illusion caused by the spectral redshift due to the space density of the universe.
Those results were an outcome of extending the general relativity's description of space's
curvature and expansion [7].
In 2022, Simran et al presented the coupling of the torsion scalar and the trace of energy-
momentum tensor producing a new modified gravity. They considered a function of these
parameters as an alternative to the cosmological constant. Through their analysis they came to
know that the expansion of the universe transitioned from deceleration to acceleration and got the
insight of a quintessence-like evolution [8].
Recently in 2023, Duncan Farrah et al tested the prediction that the gravitating mass of a black
hole can increase with the expansion of the universe independently of accretion or mergers.
Based on their study they proposed that the stellar remnant black holes are the astrophysical
origin of dark energy [9].

17
Most of the studies considered dark energy the driving force behind the universe's accelerated
expansion, while some denied the existence of dark energy. A majority of the cosmological
riddles, such as dark matter, dark energy, accelerated expansion of the universe, and the constant
orbiting speeds of galactic layers, remained unsolved. This enigma of the universe strongly
indicates that some fundamental element is missing from the present-day theories of physics
related to astronomy and cosmology.
In our previous research paper titled “Dark Energy Discriminant Theory,” we have already
defined dark energy, identified its mechanism, and clarified that dark matter is only the visible
matter shrouded in obscurity by dark energy space[10]. This work presents gravitational redshift
as the missing fundamental element behind the illusionary effect of the universe's accelerated
expansion.
3. GRAVITATIONAL EFFECT ON FREQUENCY OF LIGHT
Consider a light photon with a frequency f passing toward a supermassive object, such as a black
hole. The energy of a photon is related to its frequency based on the equation Ep = hf, where h is
Planck’s constant. A formula for the variation in the frequency of a photon as a function of its
distance from a black hole, and its zero-gravity frequency, as described in our previous paper
titled “Dark Energy Discriminant Theory” [10],is shown in Fig. 1.
fe =f (1 −
RD
𝑅
), (1)
where f is zero-gravity frequency at an infinite distance from a black hole,
𝐑𝐃 is the dark energy radius of the black hole, and
fe is the effective photon frequency at a distance r from the black hole.
As shown in the figure, a photon has its maximal frequency under conditions of zero-gravity,
which is theoretically possible only at an infinite distance from a black hole. As it passes toward a
black hole, it undergoes continuous stretching. Photon is a massless entity containing energy
equal to hf, where h is Planck’s constant and f is its frequency. A photon passing through the
gravitational field of a black hole can be viewed as a mass of quantity equal to
ℎ𝑓
𝑐2 so that it

18
creates an energy equal to hf when destroyed, as per Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence E =
mc2
.
If a photon is considered a particle with mass while passing toward a black hole, it increases the
gravitational potential energy between itself and the black hole. As per Newton’s law of gravity,
energy is inversely proportional to the distance of the mass from the black hole. However, energy
is conserved as per the law of conservation of energy. Therefore, the potential energy increased
between the black hole and the photon must be lost by the photon during its passage toward the
black hole, stretching out the light as it passes toward a black hole.
The speed of light is a universal constant and does not change under any circumstances. It can be
expressed as c = f𝜆, where c is the speed of light, f is the frequency, and 𝜆 is the wavelength. The
wavelength of light is reduced as the frequency increases, and vice versa, to maintain a constant
speed.
Unlike mass, light is not subject to gravitational pull and does not accelerate under any conditions
of gravity. Hence, light can only compensate for the increased gravitational energy while moving
toward a black hole by reducing its frequency through redshifting. A reduced frequency implies
diminished energy as the energy of a photon is proportionate to its frequency based on the plank’s
constant. The closer light moves toward a black hole, the more its frequency is reduced.
Equation. 1 implies that light loses its entire frequency at the dark energy radius of a black hole,
thereby completely losing its energy. This complete energy loss renders black holes invisible and
prevents their detection through electromagnetic radiation, only materializing through their
gravitational effects on other objects in their vicinity.
4. GRAVITATIONAL REDSHIFT
Consider a black hole, the Earth, and two galaxies: 1 and 2, all colinear, lying on a straight line.
Imagine two light waves of the same frequency, f, emanating from the two galaxies and passing
toward the black hole via the Earth, as shown in Fig. 2.
In the above figure, RDis the dark energy radius of the black hole, and Reis its distance to the
Earth.R1 and R2are the distances ofgalaxies 1 and 2 to the black hole, respectively.

19
Tracing the waves backward up to a distance of infinity, their zero-gravity frequencies f1@∞ and
f2@∞can be derived using the equation. 1 as below:
f = f1@∞ (1 −
𝑅𝐷
R1
) ∴f1@∞ =
f
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R1
)
(2)
f = f2@∞ (1 −
𝑅𝐷
R2
) ∴f2@∞ =
f
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R2
)
(3)
Let fe1and fe2be the frequencies of the light from galaxies 1 and 2 as observed from the Earth.
Substituting these values in the equation. 1,
fe1 = f1@∞ (1 −
𝑅𝐷
Re
) (4)
fe2 = f2@∞ (1 −
𝑅𝐷
Re
) (5)
Substituting f1@∞and f2@∞from equation. 2 and 3 in the above,
fe1 =
f
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R1
)
(1 −
𝑅𝐷
Re
) (6)
fe2 =
f
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R2
)
(1 −
𝑅𝐷
Re
) (7)
Dividing fe2 by fe1,
fe2
fe1
=
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R1
)
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R2
)
(8)
From the above, fe2 =
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R1
)
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R2
)
fe1 (9)
Since R1 < R2, (1 −
𝑅𝐷
R1
) < (1 −
𝑅𝐷
R2
) (10)
Therefore, fe2 < 𝑓e1, implying that gravity causes redshift of light.
Gravitational redshift is a continuously growing effect on the frequency of light. Light retains its
original frequency under conditions of zero gravity, i.e., at an infinite distance from a black hole.
As it moves toward the black hole, its frequency decreases, eventually dropping to zero at the
dark energy radius of the black hole, thereby completely losing its existence.
5. VELOCITY REDSHIFT
Fig. 2 shows two light waves of the same frequency, f passing towards the earth from two
galaxies moving away from it with two different velocities, v1 and v2.

20
Astrophysicists are pretty much conversant with the redshift effect caused by the velocity of the
source of light. Assuming c as the speed of light and v1 and v2 as the velocities of galaxies1 and 2,
respectively, the effective frequencies fe1 and fe2 of the light waves observed at the Earth can be
expressed as below:
fe1= √
𝑐 − 𝑣1
𝑐 + 𝑣1
f; fe2= √
𝑐 − 𝑣2
𝑐 + 𝑣2
f (11)
From the above, fe2 =
√
𝑐 − 𝑣2
𝑐 + 𝑣2
√
𝑐 − 𝑣1
𝑐 + 𝑣1
fe1= √
𝑐 + 𝑣1
𝑐+ 𝑣2
√
𝑐 − 𝑣2
𝑐− 𝑣1
fe1 (12)
If 𝑣2 > 𝑣1, √
𝑐 + 𝑣1
𝑐+ 𝑣2
< 1and√
𝑐 − 𝑣2
𝑐− 𝑣1
< 1, hence fe2<fe1 (13)
This implies that velocity causes a redshift of light.
Velocity-based redshift is a constant effect on light, which does not vary with the position of the
light wave or photon in a gravitational field, but depends only on the velocity of the source of
light. A light wave or photon is redshifted to a lower frequency right at the source, and the same
frequency continues all along its path toward a black hole.
6. COMBINED REDSHIFT
Combined redshift = redshiftgravity .redshiftvelocity (14)
fe2 =
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R1
)
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R2
)
√
𝑐 + 𝑣1
𝑐+ 𝑣2
√
𝑐 − 𝑣2
𝑐− 𝑣1
fe1 (15)
According to equation 14, the combined redshift is not the sum of gravity- and velocity-related
redshifts. The summation law cannot be applied to frequencies. As a simple illustration, imagine
a light wave of frequency 40Hzemanating from its source moving away from the observer toward
a black hole. If gravity and velocity individually redshift the light wave to half of its original
frequency, the velocity reduces the frequency to 20Hz, which is in turn reduced to 10Hzby
gravity. Hence, the combined redshift effect of gravity and velocity works by multiplication of
both effects, not by addition.

21
7. RECONSIDERING ACCELERATED EXPANSION OF THE UNIVERSE
Aware of only the velocity-based redshift, astrophysicists have presumed that the universe is
undergoing an accelerated expansion believed to be driven by dark energy. Other hypotheses
have proposed an accelerated expansion of the universe, one claiming that space is not empty
really. Temporal particles keep appearing and vanishing continuously in empty space, leaving
behind some energy, which pools up to an amount capable enough of causing an expansion of the
universe. Another hypothesis was that dark energy is a characteristic of space that keeps
increasing as it expands, causing negative pressure leading the universe to expand.
An accelerated expansion of the universe results fromat tributing the entire redshift of light from
distant galaxies to their velocities. Ignoring the gravitational redshift componentled to the
overestimation of galactic velocities; the actual velocities of galaxies need to be recalculated by
subtracting the effect of the gravitational redshift from the observed total redshift. Once applied,
astrophysicists might conclude that the universe is either undergoing a decelerated expansion or
an accelerated contraction, governed by gravity, depending on whether the expansion process is
complete or still ongoing.
8. ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM DOWNGRADING TOWARDS BLACK
HOLE
Fig. 4 shows the transformation of electromagnetic frequencies as light passes toward a black
hole. Suppose a light beam of all frequencies ranging from γ-rays to radio waves propagates
toward a black hole; all frequencies continuously downgrade to their immediate lower levels.
For example, γ-rays downgrade to X-rays which, in turn, convert to ultraviolet rays, and so on.
Higher frequencies gradually fade out, leaving lower frequencies predominating the light beam.
Frequency transformation is indicated at discrete points along the path of light. However, in
reality, frequency transformation is a continuous process. As the beam passes toward the dark
energy boundary of the black hole, high-frequency waves gradually disappear leaving behind
only low-requency waves, which are eventually flattened completely.

22
9. EXPERIMENTAL REQUIREMENTS TO VERIFY THE STATUS OF THE
UNIVERSE
The actual status of the universe's expansion or contraction can be verified by identifying two
galaxies colinear with the Earth and the Sagittarius A* black hole located at the center of the
Milky Way. All the four objects must lie on an imaginary straight line in space. This would
simplify the combined redshift formula, eliminating the use of directional cosines of velocity and
gravitational forces acting over the light waves, or photons.
As space is filled with several billions of galaxies, a handful of galaxies satisfying the collinearity
requirement can be identified using the data available in astronomical databases.
Equation. 15 for combined redshift can be rewritten as below:
fe2
fe1
=
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R1
)
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R2
)
√
𝑐 + 𝑣1
𝑐+ 𝑣2
√
𝑐 − 𝑣2
𝑐− 𝑣1
(16)
If 𝑣2 > 𝑣1, √
𝑐 + 𝑣1
𝑐+ 𝑣2
√
𝑐 − 𝑣2
𝑐− 𝑣1
< 1 (17)
Therefore,
fe2
fe1
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R2
)
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R1
)
< 1, (18)
meaning
fe2
fe1
<
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R1
)
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R2
)
(19)
If the above relation is not satisfied, that is,
fe2
fe1
>
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R1
)
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R2
)
, it implies the universe is undergoing
decelerated expansion. On the other hand,
fe2
fe1
=
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R1
)
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R2
)
indicates we are living in a static
universe.
Alternatively, the universe must be undergoing accelerated contraction, if both 𝑣1 and 𝑣2 are
inward velocities, and equation 19 is satisfied. In that case, light from both galaxies must
demonstrate a blueshift.
𝑅𝐷, 𝑅1,and 𝑅2values can be determined from astronomical databases, where as the values of
fe1and fe2 can beobserved from the Earth with telescopes.
10. GRAVITATIONAL EFFECT OF OTHER DISTANT BLACK HOLES
There could be other black holes behind Sagittarius A*, or even between the black hole and the
galaxy under consideration, as shown in Fig. 5. However, being more distant when compared to a
black hole in our galaxy, their gravitational effect would be minimal.

23
Let us consider three groups of black holes: 1, 2, and 3. The small arrows in the figure represent
the gravitational forces acting from the black holes on a photon right at the galaxy. Assuming
matter, including black holes, is symmetrically distributed in a cylindrical space of a considerable
radius around the line passing through the Earth and the black hole, the total radial component of
the forces from groups 1 and 2 nullify each other. On the other hand, the horizontal components
add up to the force acting from Sagittarius A*.The magnitude of this force keeps varying as the
photon moves toward the black hole. When the photon crosses the midpoint between the galaxy
and the black hole, the force component reverses its direction, acting toward the galaxy. As a
result, its overall gravitational effect on the photon would be close to zero.
Gravity from the black holes of group 3 acts in line with that of Sagittarius A*. However, this
additional gravity is minuscule. Even if these forces are considered, their effect further enhances
the redshift of the light from the galaxy, leading to further correction of the galaxy's velocity on
the lower side. If
fe2
fe1
as mentioned in equation 19, is>
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R1
)
(1−
𝑅𝐷
R2
)
, it proves that the expansion of the
universe is not accelerating, even without considering the effect of the additional gravity coming
from the black holes of groups 1, 2, and 3.
11. CONCLUSIONS
A photon possesses its maximum frequency and energy only under zero-gravity conditions, i.e.,
at a theoretically infinite distance from a supermassive object. As a photon passes toward a
supermassive object such as a black hole, its frequency gradually diminishes, and hence a redshift
toward lower frequencies is observed. Eventually, when the photon reaches the dark energy
radius of the supermassive object, it completely loses its frequency, thereby losing its existence.
Astrophysicists are mindful of the redshift caused by galactic velocities. However, the redshift
caused by gravity at the destination of the beam of light is not as known. This unrealized fact
might have kept many mysteries of the universe unsolved for decades. In light of this discovery,
astrophysicists could resolve most secrets of the universe, and the phenomenon could
revolutionize our understanding of the universe.

24
The gravitational redshift of light passing from galaxies toward a black hole via the Earth has
been formulated in this report. The ratio of the redshifted frequencies of two galaxies observed
from the Earth is expressed in terms of the dark energy radius of the black hole, its distance from
both the galaxies, and their velocities. A simplified formula for the combined redshift caused by
gravity and galactic motion is provided.
A detailed diagrammatic explanation of the frequencies of the electromagnetic spectrum
downgrading as a beam of mixed frequencies moves toward a black hole is presented. In
addition, a method to precisely determine whether the universe's expansion is accelerating or
decelerating is devised using the combined redshift formula.
An accelerated expansion of the universe could be an illusion caused by the exaggerated velocity-
based redshift of the light from distant galaxies. As the entire observed redshift is misconstrued to
have been caused only by the galactic velocities, distant galaxies seem to be moving faster than
the closer ones, meaning that the universe is undergoing an accelerated expansion. The more
distant a galaxy is from the Earth, the longer its light needs to travel to reach us. Therefore, light
from distant galaxies loses frequency to an increased extent, causing a higher redshift.
12. FURTHER RESEARCH RECOMMENDATION
The recommendations to astrophysicists for further research having access to sophisticated
telescopes and astronomical databases include the observation of the redshift in the frequencies of
electromagnetic radiation from various galaxies that are colinear with the Earth and the black
hole, Sagittarius A* at the center of the Milky Way. Additionally, the individual distances of the
galaxies to Sagittarius A* may also be measured. A precise conclusion can be drawn by
substituting these values in the combined redshift formula, whether the universe is undergoing an
accelerated or decelerated expansion or accelerated contraction.
The correct velocities of galaxies may be computed by applying the gravitational redshift-based
corrections to the observed total redshift. Old inferences made in the past based on velocities
need to be re-inferred. All phenomena related to galaxies, supernovae, black holes, etc., explained
based on their redshift need to be revisited in light of the discovery of the gravitational redshift.
REFERENCES
[1] Celso Luís Levada, HuemersonMaceti, Ivan José Lautenschleguer, Bruno Zaniboni Saggioro, Wadley
Calegaro de Castro, Edwin Hubble and the Expansion of the Universe, American Journal of
Engineering Research (AJER), Volume-8, Issue-3, pp-288-292.
[2] 2012 DEBRA KOLAH, MICHAEL T. FOSMIRE, Science Librarians Analysis of the 2011 Nobel
Prize in Physics: The Work of Saul Perlmutter, Brian P. Schmidt, and Adam G. Riess, Science &
Technology Libraries, 31:12–31.
[3] Winfried Zimdahl, Dominik J. Schwarz, Alexander B. Balakin, and Diego Pavón, Cosmic antifriction
and accelerated expansion, Phys. Rev. D 64, 063501 – Published 3 August 2001.
[4] J. T. Nielsen, A. Guffanti & S. Sarkar, Marginal evidence for cosmic acceleration from Type Ia
supernovae,Scientific Reports volume 6, Article number: 35596 (2016).
[5] Qingdi Wang, Zhen Zhu, and William G. Unruh, How the huge energy of quantum vacuum gravitates
to drive the slow accelerating expansion of the Universe, Phys. Rev. D 95, 103504.
[6] Daniel E. Friedmann, An Accelerating Universe with No Dark Energy, Open Access Library
Journal2018, Volume 5.
[7] Haitao Gao, THE ACCELERATED EXPANSION OF THE UNIVERSE MAY BE AN ILLUSION
OF THE OBSERVER: THE HUBBLE CONSTANT IS CALCULATED FROM THE DENSITY OF
SPACE IN THE UNIVERSE, International Research Journal of Natural Sciences, Vol.8, No.1, pp.1-
6, March 2020.

25
[8] Simran Arora, Aaqid Bhat, P.K. Sahoo, Squared Torsion Gravity and Its Cosmological Implications,
Wiley online library, 04 December 2022.
[9] Duncan Farrah et al, Observational Evidence for Cosmological Coupling of Black Holes and its
Implications for an Astrophysical Source of Dark Energy, The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Volume
944, Number 2
[10] Cheman Shaik, DARK ENERGY DISCRIMINANT THEORY, International Journal of
Recentadvances in Physics (IJRAP)august
2023, Volume 12, Number 3
AUTHOR
Cheman Shaik is a research &development professional in Aeronautical Engineering,
Space Technology, Computer Science and Information Technology for the last thirty
years. He worked as senior research fellow at the National Aeronautical Laboratory,
Bangalore, India. Later, he served the Indian Space Research Organization as Scientist.
He has been an inventor in software and information technology and achieved eight U.S
Patents for his inventions in these areas of technology. He is the pioneer of the Absolute
Public Key Cryptography in 1999. He is well known for his Password Self Encryption
Method which has earned him three U.S Patents. He has published research papers in the international
journals – IJRAP, IJCSEA, IJCIS, IJNSA, AEIJ, CSEIJ and the proceedings of EC2ND 2006 and CSC
2008.(Email: cheman_shaik@rediffmail.com)

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