Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
For decades, scientists believed that the Milky Way Galaxy would collide with the Andromeda Galaxy. However, new research suggests this collision may not be certain anymore. A new computer simulation shows interesting results. There is a 50% chance that two galaxies may narrowly avoid hitting each other. This might happen over the next ten billion years.
Fear of collision Collision of the Milky Way and Andromeda
Since 1912, astronomers have tracked Andromeda’s approach. Vesto Slipher first noted its blue-shifted light that year. Blue-shifted light shows that something is moving towards us. It was a clear sign that Andromeda is moving towards our galaxy. Back then, many astronomers made a mistake. They thought galaxies were just nebulae inside our Milky Way.
Estimated date of Collision of the Milky Way and Andromeda
Previous studies predicted that this merger would happen within five billion years. They suggested that Andromeda could capture our Solar System due to gravitational forces. This capture would result in significant changes to the Solar System’s position in the new galaxy’s structure. However, these predictions depend a lot on uncertain measurements. These measurements include both the motion and mass of the cosmic objects involved.
Milkomeda – result of the galactic merger?
The implications of a galactic merger are significant and complex. These events are chaotic. Most stars in each galaxy typically survive the collision unscathed. However, the collision can destroy their spiral structures. This process pushes masses of stars into space. Ultimately, the two galaxies merge into one elliptical galaxy. This new galaxy is commonly known as the Milkomeda.
Uncertainty of Collision of the Milky Way and Andromeda
The preprint on arXiv talks about this important study. It shows there are big uncertainties about how galaxies interact. Raja Guha Thakurta, an astronomer at the University of California, Santa Cruz, explains. He says a merger between two galaxies is still likely. But now, there is a big chance that the two galaxies might pass by each other instead.
Why collision is uncertain?
Recent advancements in simulation technology have helped scientists make more accurate estimates. These estimates are about the masses and motions of other influential galaxies. Our local group includes several galaxies. The new study shows different probabilities for the potential merger of these galaxies. The likelihood of a merger increases when we consider neighboring systems like Triangulum. However, the study also shows that smaller satellite galaxies vary a lot.
Our cosmic neighborhood
The research highlights ongoing important problems in astrophysics. It’s hard to accurately calculate shape and size because of unseen things like dark matter. This makes understanding how galaxies move very complicated. Guha Thakurta says we need to measure big celestial bodies. We also need to measure smaller objects in our cosmic neighborhood. Celestial bodies are things like stars and planets. The cosmic neighborhood is the space close to Earth.
“Proclamations of the impending demise of our galaxy appear greatly exaggerated,” conclude researchers from this recent study.
Closing Remarks
Ultimately, whether collisions take place or not doesn’t negate gravity’s overarching influence across billions of years. Despite possible temporary escapes from direct collisions today or tomorrow, all galaxies will eventually come together. This will form one massive elliptical galaxy. This happens as the universe keeps expanding. Eventually, this single galaxy will exist in an ever-growing empty space.
For further reading on this fascinating topic, visit Science.org.
For more intriguing insights into other STEM-related topics, visit ENTECH Online. Explore our digital magazine dedicated to inspiring teenagers and young adults to pursue their passions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
