The Probability of Our Galaxy Colliding with Andromeda Reduced to 50%
Collisions between galaxies are common, and for over a century, it was believed that the Milky Way would collide with Andromeda in about 4 to 5 billion years. However, a recent study suggests that this collision is not guaranteed, presenting a 50% probability, akin to flipping a coin. This conclusion comes from an international team of astronomers analyzing data from the Gaia and Hubble telescopes.
The study also considered gravitational interactions with nearby galaxies, such as the Triangulum and the Large Magellanic Cloud, which could influence the paths of both Andromeda and the Milky Way. The complexity of these interactions introduces significant uncertainty regarding the future of the Local Group of galaxies.
If a collision does occur, it is likely that life on Earth will no longer exist, as the Sun will have evolved into a red giant, making the planet uninhabitable long before any galactic merger takes place.