The change in wavelength of electromagnetic radiation as a result of relative movement between the source and the observer. If the source is moving towards the observer, the wavelengths become shorter and the spectral lines are shifted towards the blue end of the spectrum (a blueshift). If the source is receding, the wavelengths become longer and spectral lines are moved towards the red end of the spectrum (a redshift). The effect is named after C. J. Doppler.