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M82 = NGC3034 ( 9h 55.8m +69°41´, 8.4 mag. ) This peculiar starburst galaxy in Ursa Major was discovered by Bode in December 1774 and Messier observed it on February 9, 1781.
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M82 has also been called "The Exploding Galaxy." It is believed to have recently passed close to another galaxy called M81. M81's gravity warped M82, and the warping caused a burst of new stars to form.
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Finally, to locate M81 and M82, look for the Big Dipper, and locate the 4 stars which make up the bowl of the Dipper.
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Ursa Major has five Messier objects: M40, M81, M82, M97, and M101. M40 is the Messier object that really isn't one. In 1764 Messier went looking for an object that had been catalogued as a nebulosity in this area.
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High- resolution radio observations of M82 and NGC 253 shows rich collections of small (sometimes fading and expanding) sources that are just right to be radio-bright supernova remnants, so that part checks out.
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Astronomers have observed M82 for centuries, but this "irregular" galaxy in Ursa Major still commands their attention.
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The prototype example of such a starburst-forming interaction is M82, which experienced a close encounter with the larger M81. Irregular galaxies often exhibit spaced knots of starburst activity. Active nucleus ...
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Another source of irregular galaxies may be very young galaxies that have not yet reached a symmetrical state. Also, in some irregular galaxies, like M82, young stars eject energetic bubbles gas, giving the galaxy a blobby look.
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at least an aperture of 15 cm to resolve the components. Even with smaller scopes M81 is worth for observing. On photographs it reveals one of the most beautiful spirals in the sky. Please check the Messier Database for more info about M81 and M82.
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 See also: Galaxies, Galaxy, Star, Sky, Light
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