Messier 82, also known as the Cigar Galaxy, is a starburst galaxy located approximately 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. It is characterized by its elongated shape and bright central region, which is rich in new star formation. This galaxy is classified as an irregular galaxy and is part of a group that includes the nearby Messier 81. Its unique structure and active star formation make it a popular target for astronomers studying galaxy evolution and the processes that lead to starburst activity.