<P> The Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies each contain a central supermassive black hole (SMBH), these being Sagittarius A * (ca . 7036715878000000000 ♠ 3.6 × 10 M) and an object within the P2 concentration of Andromeda's nucleus (7038397709999999999 ♠ 1--2 × 10 M). These black holes will converge near the center of the newly formed galaxy over a period that may take millions of years, due to a process known as dynamical friction: As the SMBHs move relative to the surrounding cloud of much less massive stars, gravitational interactions lead to a net transfer of orbital energy from the SMBHs to the stars, causing the stars to be "slingshotted" into higher - radius orbits, and the SMBHs to "sink toward the galactic core ." When the SMBHs come within one light - year of one another, they will begin to strongly emit gravitational waves that will radiate further orbital energy until they merge completely . Gas taken up by the combined black hole could create a luminous quasar or an active galactic nucleus, releasing as much energy as 100 million supernova explosions . As of 2006, simulations indicated that the Sun might be brought near the center of the combined galaxy, potentially coming near one of the black holes before being ejected entirely out of the galaxy . Alternatively, the Sun might approach one of the black holes a bit closer and be torn apart by its gravity . Parts of the former Sun would be pulled into the black hole . </P> <P> Two scientists with the Harvard--Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics stated that when, and even whether, the two galaxies collide will depend on Andromeda's transverse velocity . Based on current calculations they predict a 50% chance that in a merged galaxy, the Solar System will be swept out three times farther from the galactic core than its current distance . They also predict a 12% chance that the Solar System will be ejected from the new galaxy sometime during the collision . Such an event would have no adverse effect on the system and the chances of any sort of disturbance to the Sun or planets themselves may be remote . </P> <P> Excluding planetary engineering, by the time the two galaxies collide the surface of the Earth will have already become far too hot for liquid water to exist, ending all terrestrial life; that is currently estimated to occur in about 3.75 billion years due to gradually increasing luminosity of the Sun (it will have risen by 35--40% above the current luminosity). </P> <P> When two spiral galaxies collide, the hydrogen present on their disks is compressed producing strong star formation as can be seen on interacting systems like the Antennae Galaxies . In the case of the Andromeda--Milky Way collision, it is believed that there will be little gas remaining in the disks of both galaxies, so the mentioned starburst will be relatively weak, though it still may be enough to form a quasar . </P>

When is andromeda going to collide with the milky way