Astronomers have long predicted that the Milky Way galaxy would collide with its neighbor, Andromeda, in about four or five billion years. However, a new study has thrown doubt on this prophecy, suggesting that the galaxies may not merge as expected.
The study, published in Nature Astronomy, simulated the evolution of the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies over ten billion years, taking into account the gravitational influence of other massive galaxies in the Local Group. The results show that the odds of a merger are now 50-50, with dark matter acting as a binding force but also being countered by dark energy.
The discovery is significant because it means that the fate of our galaxy and its potential for planet formation is no longer guaranteed. A merger would likely result in the creation of a new, massive galaxy with hyper-energetic astrophysical phenomena. However, if the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies avoid collision, Earth will still face extinction due to the Sun’s eventual death.
Despite the uncertainty, the study provides hope for future worlds by suggesting that the Milky Way may have a longer lifespan than previously thought. The possibility of a galactic near-miss is considered comforting by some astronomers, who see it as an opportunity for the galaxy to avoid catastrophic consequences.
The team’s simulations also reveal that other galaxies in the Local Group will play a significant role in shaping the fate of the Milky Way and Andromeda. For example, the Triangulum Galaxy and the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) may influence the movement of these galaxies over time.
While the study does not provide a clear answer to the question of whether the Milky Way and Andromeda will collide or not, it highlights the complexities and uncertainties involved in predicting galactic collisions.
Source: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/milky-way-andromeda-galaxy-collision-odds