Messier 81 (also known as NGC 3031 or Bode's Galaxy) is a spiral galaxy about 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. Due to its proximity to Earth, large size and active galactic nucleus (which harbors a 70 million stars & asupermassive black hole), Messier 81 has been studied extensively by professional astronomers. The galaxy's large size and relatively high brightness also make it a popular target for amateur astronomers.
Messier 82 (also known as NGC 3034, Cigar Galaxy or M82) is about 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. M82is five times as bright as the whole Milky Way and one hundred times as bright as our galaxy's centre