[4][5] It was first discovered as an astronomical radio source by P. Veron from a 3C revised catalogue in 1966[6] and such, shows an alignment effect at both wavelengths.

There is a presence of a northern object displaying a more ionized emission line spectrum likely the source's origin.

[8] According to Hubble Space Telescope (HST) imaging of a northwest component, this shows a high surface brightness conelike structure with a much fainter extension.

[3] According to Very Large Array radio mapping, both northwestern and southeastern lobes are shown enlarged and overlaid polarized.

[11] According to deep near-infrared imaging taken via Subaru Telescope, 3C 356 is found connected with a poor cluster of galaxies.