September 1979

Saturday 01:

The American Pioneer 11 becomes the first spacecraft to visit Saturn when it passes the planet at a distance of 21,000 km.

Friday 07:

The Chrysler Corporation asks the United States government for USD $1 billion to avoid bankruptcy.

Wednesday 12:

Indonesia is hit with an earthquake that measures 8.1 on the Richter scale.

Thursday 13:

South Africa grants independence to the "homeland" of Venda (not recognized outside South Africa).

Thursday 20:

A coup d'état in the Central African Empire overthrows Emperor Bokasa I

Saturday 22:

The South Atlantic Flash is observed near Bouvet Island, thought to be a nuclear weapons test.

Thursday 27:

The United States Department of Education receives final approval from the U.S. Congress to become the 13th US Cabinet agency.