The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) are two irregular dwarf galaxies that orbit the Milky Way. They are among the closest galaxies to us and are visible from the Southern Hemisphere.

• Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC): Located about 160,000 light-years away, the LMC is the fourth-largest galaxy in the Local Group. It contains the Tarantula Nebula, one of the most active star-forming regions in the nearby universe.
• Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC): Positioned around 200,000 light-years from Earth, the SMC is smaller and more irregular than the LMC. It has a rich mix of young and old stars and is known for its interaction with both the LMC and the Milky Way, causing bursts of star formation.

Both galaxies are important for studying cosmic evolution and are key targets for astronomers exploring star formation and galactic interactions.