M81 (Bode's Galaxy) and M82 (the Cigar Galaxy) are neighboring galaxies in the constellation Ursa Major, around 12 million light-years away. M81, a grand spiral galaxy, and M82, a starburst galaxy with vigorous star formation, interact gravitationally, enhancing M82’s stellar activity. They are part of the M81 Group of galaxies, separated by about 150,000 light-years. Adding to their allure, the Integrated Flux Nebula (IFN)—a faint interstellar cloud within the Milky Way—surrounds this region. The IFN reflects starlight, casting a soft glow and creating a striking foreground for these galaxies. Together, M81, M82, and the IFN offer an extraordinary view, blending the light of our Milky Way with the distant beauty of these cosmic neighbors.