19979 (1989 VJ) is a mid-sized asteroid orbiting between Mars and Jupiter in the main portion of the asteroid belt. NASA JPL has not classified 1989 VJ as potentially hazardous because its orbit does not bring it close to Earth.
1989 VJ orbits the sun every 1,410 days (3.86 years), coming as close as 2.20 AU and reaching as far as 2.71 AU from the sun. Based on its brightness and the way it reflects light, 1989 VJ is probably between 6.347 to 14.192 kilometers in diameter, making it larger than 99% of asteroids, very roughly comparable in size to the San Francisco Bay.
The rotation of 1989 VJ has been observed. It completes a rotation on its axis every 7.57 hours.
1989 VJ's orbit is 1.22 AU from Earth's orbit at its closest point. This means that there is an extremely wide berth between this asteroid and Earth at all times.
Orbital simulations conducted by NASA JPL's CNEOS do not show any close approaches to Earth.
1989 VJ's orbit is determined by observations dating back to May 29, 1976. It was last officially observed on July 3, 2023. The IAU Minor Planet Center records 3,236 observations used to determine its orbit.
The position of 19979 (1989 VJ) is indicated by a ◯ pink circle. Note that the object may not be in your current field of view. Use the controls below to adjust position, location, and time.