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What's a Leap Year?


A leap year, which takes place every four years, is often shrouded in mystery for many. Every year, the earth rotates 365 and a quarter times. In other words, there are 365 and a quarter days in a year. After four years, the quarter days add up to one day, which cannot be dismissed because it will cause a disruption in the calendar. Therefore, every fourth year, there are 366 days, for which February 29th is added to the calendar; 2020 is one of those years.

Another unique and interesting fact about the leap year is that if the number of the year is divisible by 100, then that year continues to have 365 days. That is unless it is divisible by 400 as well, then it returns to 366 days. 1900 was a great example of this occurrence, it was originally supposed to be a leap year, but since it is divisible by the number 100, it was skipped. Another example of this was the year 2000, which although it is divisible by 100, it continued to be a leap year because it is also divisible by 400. In other words, a person born on February 29th can have their birthday be every four years or, in some cases, after 8 years. February 29th is often called the Leap Day.

The leap year only happens every four years, so you won’t see another one until 2024. Be sure to make the best of the extra day this year!

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