'Apocalypse incoming': Milky way galaxy to collide with Andromeda galaxy in future
Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Andromeda Approaching Milky Way
The Andromeda galaxy is moving towards the Milky Way at a rapid pace, leading astronomers to predict a massive collision in approximately 4.5 billion years. This event could result in the merging of the two galaxies, significantly altering the cosmic landscape.
Potential Impact on the Solar System
The anticipated collision between Andromeda and the Milky Way could displace our solar system into a new region relative to the galactic core, marking a significant change in its position within the universe.
New Study Questions Collision Certainty
A recent study titled "Apocalypse When?" suggests that the collision between the Milky Way and Andromeda might not be as certain as previously thought. The study, which is currently under peer review, indicates that there is only a 50% chance that the collision will occur.
Study’s Analysis of Local Group Galaxies
The research team, led by astrophysicist Till Sawala from the University of Helsinki, used data from the Gaia and Hubble telescopes to analyse the evolution of the Milky Way, Andromeda, Triangulum, and the Large Magellanic Cloud over the next 10 billion years.
Collision Predicted in Less Than Half of Scenarios
The study's simulations found that Andromeda and the Milky Way were merging in slightly less than half of the scenarios they analysed, challenging the previously held belief that a collision is inevitable.
NASA's Perspective on Galactic Collisions
Despite the new findings, NASA maintains that collisions between galaxies are common in close proximity due to the gravitational pull of dark matter, even as the universe continues to expand and accelerate.
Andromeda’s Speed Towards Milky Way
Andromeda, located 2.5 million light-years away, is moving towards the Milky Way at a speed of 250,000 miles per hour. Previous estimates, based on data from NASA's Hubble telescope, predicted that a head-on collision would occur in about 4 billion years, followed by a complete merger in an additional 2 billion years.
Study’s Conclusion on Galactic Future
The new research suggests that the widely accepted view of an inevitable galactic collision may be overstated. The study emphasizes the uncertainty of this cosmic event, indicating that the fate of the Milky Way remains less certain than previously believed.