· On this day in 1979, energy equal to one million hydrogen bombs was released when a comet hit the sun. It was the first ever recorded occurrence.
· Locally,
In DuQuoin, The Southern Illinois Ducky Derby set to take place this Sunday, September 1st at the Fair Grounds. Events kick off at 1:00 with fun activities, entertainment and giveaways. The duck race begins at 3 when approximately 12,000 rubber ducks will be dropped into the pond by the expo hall and then it’s a race to the finish line. This annual event supports Special Olympic Athletes of Southern Illinois. Learn more at www.duckyderbydash.com
SIU Credit Union Free Shred Day on October 17th at East Branch on Giant City Road! Individuals can bring up to 50 pounds of personal documents to be shredded on-site for free. Shred Day times are from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
In Carbondale, A free public astronomy observation at the SIU, School of Physics and Applied Physics is Sunday, September 8th from 8 – 9:30pm.
Join SIU Physics and the Astronomical society on the Astronomy Observation Deck, located on the roof of the Neckers building. Follow signs from Neckers 456 up the southwest stairs. All observations are weather permitting and space limited. For details, go to physics.siu.edu
Next Friday, Cheryl Ernst will be back with a new episode of the Astronomy Update. That’s your almanac for August 30th
