Quasar 3C279 is a remarkable source of gamma rays. It is now considered to be the archetypical member of a new class of active galaxies, known as blazars.

Quasar 3C279 also shows the typical radio jet.
Unlike previous ones, this jet shows a visible change in direction during the observational period, from 1995 to 2003. This is to be seen on the subsequent film.