Revised Collision Probability
Recent studies utilizing data from 's and the 's spacecraft suggest a significant reevaluation of the timeline, now presenting a 50% chance of avoidance over the next 10 billion years.
Contrary to earlier predictions of an inevitable collision in about 4-5 billion years, new simulations indicate a mere 2% probability of such an event within that timeframe, challenging the longheld narrative.
Influences and Variables
The inclusion of nearby galaxies like the and in simulations has complexified predictions, with varying impacts on the likelihood of a Milky Way-Andromeda merger.
Researchers emphasized the role of dynamical friction and gravitational forces in determining galactic paths, underscoring the importance of comprehensive data in forecasting cosmic events.