This optical image shows a spiral galaxy in the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear), which is about 12 million light years away from Earth. Currently about 150,000 light years apart, these two galaxies are trapped in a gravitational waltz. There have been several close encounters and both galaxies still carry evident collision damage. In M81 the effects are more subtle but just as widespread. Eventually, these galaxies will merge into one, but not before there are more cosmic fireworks.