Evidence for widely separated primary and secondary hotspots in 3C 171

A multi-radio-frequency study of the unusual structure of the radio galaxy 3C 171 is presented. A spectral index study is used to make deductions about the origins of the plumes which emanate from the hotspots. Optical images are overlaid on radio maps which give support to the inference that the plumes are diverted backflow from the hotspots. Evidence is presented which supports the interpretation of the region of enhanced brightness in the north-west plume as a quasi-hotspot, and thus that there is a widely separated primary and secondary hotspot pair in 3C 171.