What happens when two galaxies collide? What would happen and what are the chances that our galaxy will collide with another?
In: Physics
The chance our galaxy will collide with another is 100%. We are heading directly for our neighbouring spiral galaxy, Andromeda, and will collide with it in around 4.5 billion years.
When galaxies collide they essentially pass straight through one another and out the other side. A few unlucky solar systems may be disrupted but the vast majority will have no ill effects and one hell of a beautiful night sky. After the initial pass through, gravity will reverse the motion and they’ll pass through again, and again, and again, in a vast, cosmically slow dance… each time slowing a little more until eventually they stabilize into one larger galaxy.
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