Simpler Leap Day explanation

Discover a clear Leap Day explanation and learn why we adjust our calendars with a fun video from Minute Physics.

Written byPhil Plait
| 1 min read
Google NewsGoogle News Preferred Source

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news

Sign Up

[Note: Don't forget: I'll be on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson tonight!]

OK, so if you're still scratching your head over my earlier mathified Leap Day explanation, then here's a simpler one by Minute Physics that nonetheless hits all the high points:

[embed width="610"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53glKEPzElA[/embed]

Between my math and those animations, you've got it all now, right? I sometimes wonder if, in the far future when we can terraform planets, we won't adjust every planet's day length to divide evenly into its year. That might be easier than adjusting the calendar!

Meet the Author

Stay Curious

JoinOur List

Sign up for our weekly science updates

View our Privacy Policy

SubscribeTo The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Subscribe