<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> <P> The galaxy product of the collision has been nicknamed Milkomeda or Milkdromeda . According to simulations, this object will look like a giant elliptical galaxy, but with a centre showing less stellar density than current elliptical galaxies . It is, however, possible the resulting object will be a large disk galaxy, depending on the amount of remaining gas in the Milky Way and Andromeda . </P>

How far is the andromeda galaxy from the milky way