The Andromeda galaxy is advancing towards the Milky Way at a speed of 400 thousand kilometers per hour. This movement results from mutual gravitational attraction and the influence of dark matter. The collision is expected to occur 4 billion years from now.
The event will transform the two galaxies into a single giant elliptical structure.
- Current distance: 2.5 million light years.
- Speed: equivalent to Earth-Moon round trip in one hour.
- Main cause: gravity between galactic masses.
Hubble Telescope Data
The Hubble Space Telescope measured Andromeda’s tangential motion over seven years. These observations confirmed the head-on collision trajectory.
The measurements used specific regions of the M31 galaxy repeatedly. Hubble servicing missions provided the necessary cameras.
Trajectory and simulations
Simulations based on data indicate direct impact. Andromeda approaches 2,000 times faster than a fast baseball.
The complete merger of galaxies will require another 2 billion years after initial contact.
The galactic nuclei will come together to form the center of the new structure.
Effects on the Solar System
Stars will not collide due to vast interstellar distances. The Sun will be moved to an orbit further away from the galactic center.
The Milky Way will lose its flat spiral shape. Stars will adopt random orbits in the new elliptical galaxy.
The solar system will remain intact without risk of planetary destruction.
Triangle Galaxy Involvement
The galaxy M33 accompanies Andromeda and will participate in the event. It may first collide with the Milky Way or merge later.
This interaction adds complexity to the fusion process.
Changes in the night sky
In 3.75 billion years, Andromeda will occupy a large part of the sky. Tidal forces will visibly distort the Milky Way.
In 3.85 billion years, intense star formation will light up the sky.
At 5.1 billion years, nuclei will appear as bright lobes.
By 7 billion years, the resulting elliptical galaxy will dominate the night sky completely, with star systems in random orbits.�rias around the new center, marking the end of the current spiral structure and the beginning of a stable elliptical configuration influenced by gravitational dynamics accumulated over billions of years.
Milkomeda Training
The merger will create an elliptical galaxy called Milkomeda. This structure will house stars of both origins in random orbits.
The process highlights gravitational dynamics in the Local Group despite universal expansion.
