NGC 3031, also known as Messier 81 or Bode's Galaxy, is a spiral galaxy located about 12 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. It has a diameter of approximately 90,000 light-years and is one of the brightest galaxies in the night sky, making it a popular target for amateur astronomers. This galaxy is part of the M81 Group, which includes several other galaxies. NGC 3031 features a prominent central bulge and well-defined spiral arms, containing a mix of young and old stars. It is also home to a supermassive black hole at its center, which influences the dynamics of the surrounding stars.