New research suggests a 50/50 chance of a Milky Way-Andromeda galactic collision in the next 10 billion years, contradicting earlier predictions of near-certainty. Researchers used updated data from Hubble and Gaia, including the Large Magellanic Cloud's gravitational influence. Simulations reveal three possibilities: a merger, a near miss, or a complete bypass. A head-on collision is deemed highly improbable. The study, published in Nature Astronomy, highlights the uncertainty and calls for more data to clarify the future of our galaxy.
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