3C 171 is a Seyfert galaxy located in the constellation Lynx, classfied as a radio galaxy, containing an extended emission-line region.

[5] The inner regions of 3C 171 is said to be similar to an ordinary Fanaroff-Riley Class 2, but instead of radio lobes, it contains low-surface brightness plumes.

[4] Using the multi-radio-frequency study, the plumes of 3C 171 are shown to flow in a reverse direction from both the primary and secondary hotspots, found separated.

In one of the plumes located north-west, the region shows enhanced brightness, making it a quasi-hotspot.

[6] Further evidence also points the emission lines in 3C 171 are made up of plasma, hinting the gas might be cooling.