What Happens if Milky Way Collides with Andromeda?

All images: NASA (Artist's illustration)

One of the Biggest Space Events in 4 Billion Years

Our home galaxy — the Milky Way will collide with its neighbour — the Andromeda galaxy in about 4 billion years, eventually becoming Milkomeda. Galaxy collisions are relatively common, considering that galaxies have long life spans.

Collision is Inevitable

The Milky Way-Andromeda collision is inevitable. According to Astronomy.com, the Andromeda is approaching the Milky Way at nearly a quarter million miles per hour.

‘Milkdromeda’ or ‘Milkomeda’

Scientists have said that once the collision happens, the giant elliptical galaxy will be called "Milkdromeda" or "Milkomeda."

What Happens During the Collision?

Several things will happen when the two galaxies collide. Both Milky Way and Andromeda each contain a central supermassive black hole. Following the collision, the black holes will spiral into one another and converge near the centre of Milkdromeda. Scientists have predicted a 50% chance that in the new galaxy, the solar system would be swept out three times farther from the galactic core than its current position.

Hell on Earth

When the collision happens, Earth would have become far too hot for liquid water to exist because of the gradually increasing luminosity of the Sun. All terrestrial life would end on our planet.