[2][5] Because of its relative proximity to the Milky Way galaxy, large size, and active galactic nucleus (which harbors a 70 million M☉[6] supermassive black hole), Messier 81 has been studied extensively by professional astronomers.

The galaxy's large size and relatively high brightness also makes it a popular target for amateur astronomers.

[7][11] Its apparent magnitude due to its distance means it requires a good night sky and only rises very briefly and extremely low at its southernmost limit from Earth's surface, about the 20th parallel south.

[14][16] This interstellar dust is found primarily within the galaxy's spiral arms, and it has been shown to be associated with star formation regions.

[21][25] Despite the uncertainties in modeling the unusual supernova, it was also used to estimate a very approximate distance of 8.5 ± 1.3 Mly (2.6 ± 0.4 Mpc) to Messier 81.

Gravitational interactions of M81 with M82 and NGC 3077[29] have stripped hydrogen gas away from all three galaxies, forming gaseous filamentary structures in the group.

[29] Moreover, these interactions have allowed interstellar gas to fall into the centers of M82 and NGC 3077, leading to vigorous star formation or starburst activity there.