The Magellanic Clouds are two irregular dwarf galaxies located near our Milky Way galaxy. They are named after the explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who observed them during his voyage in the 16th century. The larger one is called the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), while the smaller is the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). These galaxies are visible from the Southern Hemisphere and are known for their bright, colorful stars and nebulae.
Both clouds are important for astronomers because they provide insights into galaxy formation and evolution. They are also home to various stellar phenomena, including supernovae and star clusters. Studying the Magellanic Clouds helps scientists understand the dynamics of galaxies and their interactions with each other.