22979

22979 is a near-Earth asteroid, specifically a stony asteroid belonging to the S-type group. It was discovered on January 12, 1999, by the LINEAR (Lincoln Near-Earth Asteroid Research) program at the Lincoln Laboratory's experimental test site in Socorro, New Mexico. Its orbit is characterized by a semi-major axis of approximately 2.2 astronomical units (AU) from the Sun and an eccentricity of about 0.15. This orbit brings it relatively close to Earth at times, although it is not currently classified as a potentially hazardous asteroid.

The asteroid's diameter is estimated to be around 2 kilometers, based on its absolute magnitude and albedo. Its composition is typical of S-type asteroids, suggesting a surface rich in silicates and possibly iron. Research into 22979 and similar asteroids is part of ongoing efforts to understand the composition and evolution of the inner solar system, as well as to identify and track objects that could pose a threat to Earth. Observations of 22979 have been made using various ground-based telescopes and are cataloged by astronomical organizations worldwide.