NGC 1559 is a barred spiral galaxy in the constellation Reticulum. It is also a Seyfert galaxy. Although it was originally thought to be a member of the Dorado Group, subsequent observations have shown that it is in fact not a member of any galaxy group or cluster and does not have any nearby companions. NGC 1559 has massive spiral arms and strong star formation. It contains a small bar which is oriented nearly east-west and spans 40. Its bar and disc are the source of very strong radio emissions.
Four supernovae have been observed in NGC 1559. Australian amateur astronomer Robert Evans discovered the first three: SN 1984J (type II, mag. 13.5), SN 1986L (type II, mag. 13.5), and SN 2005df (Type Ia, mag 12.3). SN 2009ib (type IIP, mag. 14.7) was discovered on 6 August 2009.