M82, also known as the Cigar Galaxy, is a starburst galaxy located about 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. It is characterized by its elongated shape and bright central region, which is filled with intense star formation. M82 is classified as a starburst galaxy due to the rapid rate at which new stars are being created. This galaxy is interacting gravitationally with its neighbor, M81, which influences its shape and star formation activity. M82 is notable for its high surface brightness and is often studied by astronomers to understand the processes of star formation and galaxy evolution.