The nucleus of NGC 536 is characterised as a low-ionization nuclear emission-line region (LINER), a type of active galactic nucleus.[4][5] The galaxy features a bright inner region, surrounded by a ring from which emanate two faint arms with H II regions. These extended spiral arms have been suggested to be tidal tails. The galaxy has very weak Hα emission.[3] The star formation rate in NGC 536 is estimated to be 1.16[6] – 1.25[7]M☉ per year. The galaxy is seen with inclination of 78 degrees.[8]
One supernova has been observed in NGC 536, SN 1963N. It was discovered by the Palomar Supernova Search on June 27, 1963, with mag 17.7.[9]
^ abAmram, P.; Plana, H.; C. Mendes de Oliveira; Balkowski, C.; Boulesteix, J. (23 April 2003). "Gas kinematics of a sample of five Hickson Compact Groups". Astronomy & Astrophysics. 402 (3): 865–877. arXiv:astro-ph/0301075. doi:10.1051/0004-6361:20030034. S2CID55325417.
^Verdes-Montenegro, L.; Yun, M. S.; Perea, J.; del Olmo, A.; Ho, P. T. P. (10 April 1998). "Effects of Interaction-induced Activities in Hickson Compact Groups: CO and Far-Infrared Study". The Astrophysical Journal. 497 (1): 89–107. arXiv:astro-ph/9711127. Bibcode:1998ApJ...497...89V. doi:10.1086/305454. S2CID54584309.