Milky Way and Andromeda galaxy merging in the future (IMAGE)

University of Arizona

Milky Way and Andromeda galaxy merging in the future

Caption

This artist's illustration shows a stage in the predicted merger between our Milky Way galaxy and the neighboring Andromeda galaxy, as it will unfold over the next several billion years. In this image, representing Earth's night sky in 3.75 billion years, Andromeda (left) fills the field of view and begins to distort the Milky Way with tidal pull.

Credit

NASA; ESA; Z. Levay and R. van der Marel, STScI; T. Hallas; and A. Mellinger

Usage Restrictions

No restrictions.

License

Public Domain

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