All about the Milky Way and Andromeda collision

Astronomers have long assumed that the Milky Way and its neighboring galaxy, Andromeda, will collide in the distant future. But new research shows that the probability of this collision is less than what was thought. Computer simulations show that the probability of these two galaxies colliding in the next 10 billion years is about 50%. It means that these two galaxies are likely to move away from each other.

“This research is very important,” said University of California, Santa Cruz astronomer Raja Guhathakurta, according to Tecna Astronomy and Aerospace News Service. “The result is that the collision is still possible, but the two galaxies are more likely to move away from each other.”

Since 1912, we have known that the Andromeda galaxy is moving towards our galaxy. However, it is very difficult to accurately measure the motion and mass of galaxies. For this reason, it is difficult to accurately predict when and how the two galaxies will collide. If the Milky Way and Andromeda collide, it will be a very big event. The spiral structures of galaxies are destroyed and new stars are formed. Eventually, these two galaxies will merge into one large elliptical galaxy.

Measuring the distance and speed of galaxies makes it difficult to check the probability of this collision. It is difficult to accurately measure the distance and speed of galaxies due to their great distance. Also, most of the mass of galaxies consists of dark matter, which is not visible. Measuring the mass of dark matter is very difficult. There is also gravitational interference from smaller galaxies. : The presence of smaller galaxies around large galaxies affects their movement and path.

Although the probability of the Milky Way and Andromeda colliding has decreased, the possibility still exists. Using computer simulations and detailed observations, scientists continue to study this cosmic event.