There are two images below. The first is from 1999, while the second is from Oct 26, 2009 when supernova 2009jf appeared in the galaxy.
NGC 7479 is a classic Barred Spiral Galaxy in the Constellation of Pegasus, with a small, bright active galactic nucleus (Seyfert type 2) being fed by gas flowing in along the bar structure. The two spiral arms come from ends of the bar. One arm starts with a sharp kink at the end of the bar, has a second kink, and then a smooth curve until the arm fades after going about half way around the galaxy. The other arm emerges smoothly from the bar and curves smoothly back around until it also fades. The arms appear to form an off-center pseudo ring. Also, note the distant background galaxies in the picture. (For more on Seyfert galaxies, see M-77).
Based on the published red shift, a rough distance estimate for NGC 7479 is: 106,000,000 light years, with the galaxy being 100,000 light years in diameter.
Dreyer's description from the New General Catalog(NGC): Pretty bright, considerably large, moderately extended 12°, between 2 stars.
The Deep Sky Field Guide to Uranometria 2000: Very small bright nucleus in bar 1.6x0.3 arc minutes with strong dark lanes, two main arms, one stronger.
Supernova 2009 jf:
Follow this Link to a NASA Web site on supernovas. It has a very nice animation and a description of what these objects are.
George Normandin, KAS
November 1st, 2009