What is Leap Day / Leap Year?
February 26, 2020
Later this week when we wake up on Saturday morning the date will be February 29th not March 1st? Yes, the year 2020 is a leap year, and February 29th is considered Leap Day. Today most modern calendars recognize each year is 365 days long which is the amount of time for the earth to travel around the Sun. Actually, it takes 365 days and 6 hours. The extra 24 hours accumulates every four years, requiring that an extra calendar day be added to align the calendar with the Sun’s apparent position. With out the added day, in future years the seasons would occur later in the year. Leap year is not a new or modern concept, as it was first introduced in Rome in the 1st Century BC.
If you are born on February 29th you are considered a “leap year baby” or a “leaper” and possibly subject to jokes, as a 20 year would have only celebrated 5 true birthdays in their life.
Below are some famous people who are Leap Year Babies:
- Pope Paul III
- Dinah Shore – American Singer and Actress
- Carlos Humberto Romero – President of El Salvador
- Pedro Sanchez – Prime Minister of Spain
- Gioachino Rossini – Italian Opera Composer
- Taylor Twellman – American Soccer Player and Sportscaster
- Leonard Shoen – Founder of the company U-Haul
- Henri Richard – Nicknamed the “Pocket Rocket” – NHL Hall of Fame Hockey Player
Enjoy the extra day in February!