CXI. Astrophysical considerations regarding Freundlich's red-shift

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Abstract
Were the red-shift of lines in the spectra of astronomical light sources, given by a formula proposed by Freundlich, a consequence of photon-photon interaction as Freundlich presumes it to be, it is shown that in the case of eclipsing binary stars there would result certain large effects that are certainly not observed. Also, were the energy lost in the reddening to reappear as radio- emission, this emission in the case of the Galaxy would conflict with observation as regards both quantity and distribution. However, since only parameters of the radiation-field appear in the formula, if the effect is not produced by photon-photon interaction it is doubtful whether it exists at all. It is shown, in fact, that it does not agree with the variation of the measured shift across the solar disk, and that the agreement with observation claimed in the cases of certain other stars is uncertain. It is then pointed out that the existence of the gravitational red-shift and the existence of the cosmic recessional red-shift are demanded by very general physical principles and that, consequently, the interpretation of the relevant observations does not require the existence in addition of the universal red-shift postulated by Freundlich. Born's interpretation of the postulate suggests an interesting association of the effect with radio-emission; but it is pointed out that the possibly significant feature in Born's suggestion could be independent of Freundlich's postulate. In spite of these criticisms of general aspects of Freundlich’s discussion. the actual phenomena to which he directs attention call for much fltrther investigation, both observational and theoretical.

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