3C 346 is classified a narrow-line radio galaxy.[3] It has a projected 0.5-3 keV luminosity of 1.4 x 1044 ergs s−1. The galaxy has a lack of X-ray emission given most of it originates from a cluster environment with a temperature of 1.9+1.3-0.7.[4] It is part of a double galaxy system where the object is found merging with a nearby companion galaxy.[5] 3C 346 also contains a jetted double radio source when observed in X-rays[6] and a bright hotspot region showing strong emission in ultraviolet, mainly caused by synchrotron radiation.[7]
The point-like emission of 3C 346 is found to be unabsorbed, measuring NH ≤ 2 x 1021 cm−2 with a spectral slope of αx = 0.69+0.16-0.14 and flux of 7.4 x 10−13erg cm−2 s−1 when observed by ROSAT PSPC observations. However, when observed by the Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics (ASCA) two years later, the emission presents a different spectral slope of αx = 0.73+0.17-0.23 with a lower flux level of 7.4 x 10−13 erg cm−2 s−1.[8]
The nucleus of 3C 346 is found to be luminous.[5] It contains a core component in which a one-sided radio jet is seen emerging with a projected extension of around ~ 2 arcsecs, hinting the jet's inclination to the line of sight has a tiny angle.[9] Reaching at high radio frequencies, the jet of 3C 346 contains individual bright knots located at different positions with increased distances from the core region.[4]
According to the jet being detected using Hubble Space Telescope optical polarimetry, Very Large Array polarimetry at 14.9 and 22.5 GHz and data from Chandra X-ray observatory, it shows similarities between optical and radio morphology. However the X-ray emission is found offset by 0.80 ± 0.17 kiloparsecs from both optical and radio peak positions. Based on polarization modeling, the jet of 3C 346 has a relativistic upstream flow of βu = 0.91+0.05-0.07 with an inclined shock front plane angle of η = 51° ± 11° and upstream flow angle of θ = 14+8-7 degrees. The deflection angle of the jet on the other hand, is 22°.[10]
There is also the presence of an extended structure with an extent of ~ 12" around the jet and its opposite side. When observed at 1.7 GHz, the region has two other components with an estimated separation of ~ 2".2. One of the components is found to be stronger and compacted, while the other component is merely a glowing knot inside the jet and mainly surrounded by extended emission.[11]