New research suggests a 50% chance of a Milky Way-Andromeda collision within the next 10 billion years, significantly lower than previous estimations of a near-certain collision in 4.5 billion years. This revised probability considers the gravitational influence of nearby galaxies, like the Large Magellanic Cloud, which alters the Milky Way's trajectory. While a merger would reshape both galaxies, the sun's eventual demise poses a more imminent threat to Earth than a galactic collision.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.