M82 is another member of the M81 group of
galaxies found in the region of Ursa Major. This object is
officially classified as an irregular galaxy. Its shape contains
no discernable structure. It is believed that this galaxy's core
has suffered from a close encounter with its neighbor, M81. The
elongated shape of this galaxy has earned it the name Cigar
Galaxy. M82 is a strong source of infrared radiation. In fact,
it is the brightest galaxy in the sky in infrared light. This
galaxy is located about 12 million light-years from Earth. Its
close proximity to M81 makes it easy to find, although it is a
somewhat disappointing sight in anything but the largest
telescopes.
