It was discovered by the Russian astronomer Viktor Knorre on April 7, 1880, in Germany, and was the second of his four asteroid discoveries.

[3] This body is orbiting the Sun with a period of 4.60 years and a low ellipticity (ovalness) of 0.036.

Light curve data gives a synodic rotation period of 27.93±0.01 h, during which it varies in brightness with an amplitude of 0.18±0.02 magnitudes.

It is classified as an S-type asteroid in the Tholen taxonomy, suggesting a siliceous (stony) composition.

[2] A search of quasi-complanar asteroids has shown that 215 Oenone and 1851 ≡ 1950 VA can approach to within 600 km of each other, one of the closest known potential proximities of astronomical bodies.