Final answer:
The Milky Way Galaxy is set to collide with the Andromeda Galaxy in about 3 to 4 billion years, leading to the formation of a new elliptical galaxy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The likely fate of the Milky Way Galaxy within the next 6-8 billion years is a monumental collision with the Andromeda Galaxy. According to scientific predictions and computer models, these two galaxies are on a collision course that will result in a spectacular merger. Starting in about 3 to 4 billion years, the process of collision and merging will take place, leading to the formation of a new, larger elliptical galaxy from the two former spiral galaxies. Within this time frame, we will observe dramatic changes, such as increased star formation and the transformation of the galaxy shapes as they interact and merge. The night sky will drastically change due to the merger with increased star formation, and eventually, galaxies will become dark as all stars burn out.
This cosmic event will alter the structure of our night sky, and the Sun's position relative to the center of the new galaxy could change as star orbits within each galaxy get readjusted. Eventually, over an even longer timescale, as all stars complete their life cycles, galaxies, including the merged elliptical galaxy from the Milky Way and Andromeda, will become dark and cold, as they continue moving apart in a lightless expanse of space.