NGC 1079 has unique characteristics when compared to other galaxies with a similar luminosity. Its H l content per unit blue luminosity is three times higher. Its mass and rotation velocity is twice as large as normal and it has a low surface brightness in its spiral arms, exterior to a high surface brightness center dominated by old stars. A study[6] suggests these characteristics occur due to a luminous matter deficiency relative to its dynamical mass within the Holmberg radius.
Ring structure and star formation
Astronomers first identified NGC 1079's ring structure in 1996 by studying its HSTultraviolet imaging.[7] Later studies have shown virtually all the star-formation activity in this galaxy occurs inside the ring.[8]