What Is a Leap Year and Why Do We Have It?
Understanding what a leap year is, why we have it and how important it is.
Have you ever wondered why we have a day added to February every four years? Well, it’s all about keeping our calendar in sync with the time it takes for Earth to complete one orbit around the Sun.
Let’s break it down simply. A year is the time it takes for Earth to go around the Sun. It’s about 365 days and a bit more, roughly 6 hours more. But our calendar counts only 365 days in a year. So what happens to those extra 6 hours?
If we ignore these extra hours, they add up over time and mess up our calendar. For example, imagine if May, which is usually a warm summer month, started happening in the cold winter season after many years! That would be confusing, right?
To avoid this, we add an extra day to our calendar every four years. This extra day is put into February, making that year a "Leap Year." That's why we have February 29th every four years.
For instance, if you remember 2020, it was a leap year, and so is 2024. The next leap year after that will be 2028.
By adding this extra day, we make sure our calendar stays in line with the time it takes for Earth to orbit the Sun. It keeps things organized and prevents our seasons from getting mixed up.
So, next time you enjoy February 29th, remember it’s not just an ordinary day. It’s a special day that helps us keep track of time and seasons. Happy Leap Day!
