TH | EN
วันที่เผยแพร่ : 29 ก.พ. 2567 14:25 น.
วันที่เแก้ไข : 4 มี.ค. 2567 21:32 น.
Ever wondered why February gets an extra day every four years? This phenomenon, known as a **leap year**, has intrigued and perplexed people for centuries. This article delves into the science and history behind leap years, equipping you with the knowledge to not only understand them but also amaze others with your insights.
**The Earth's Orbital Dance:** Our planet's journey around the Sun, technically called a **solar year**, takes roughly **365.25 days**. While convenient to use 365 days for our calendars, that leftover quarter-day creates a discrepancy over time. Without adjustments, the calendar would gradually drift out of sync with the seasons.
**Enter the Leap Year:** To bridge this gap, we add an extra day every fourth year, bringing the average calendar year closer to the actual solar year. This extra day is typically placed in February, the shortest month, making it **29 days** long in leap years.
**The Leap Year Rulebook:** Determining a leap year isn't simply a matter of divisibility by four. Here's a handy rule to remember:
* **Every year divisible by four is a leap year,** except for:
* **Years divisible by 100 are not leap years,** unless they are also:
* **Divisible by 400, in which case they are leap years.**
So, for example, the year 2000 was a leap year (divisible by 400), while 1900 was not (divisible by 100 but not by 400).
**Beyond the Calendar:** Leap years not only ensure our calendars stay aligned with the seasons but also play a crucial role in various other areas. Farmers rely on them for accurate planting and harvesting cycles. Astronomical calculations and religious calendars also incorporate leap years for precise timing.
**Leap Year Fun Facts:**
* The term "leap year" comes from the Latin "annus bissextus," meaning "double sixth," as the extra day was originally inserted before the sixth day before the end of February.
* People born on February 29th celebrate their birthdays only once every four years, making them a unique group.
* Several traditions and superstitions surround leap years, with some cultures associating them with bad luck or increased marriage proposals.
Understanding leap years empowers you to navigate timekeeping with greater knowledge and appreciate the ingenuity behind keeping our calendars in sync with the ever-turning Earth.
ไฟล์แนบ :
ฝ่ายประชาสัมพันธ์ Student Care
ยึดมั่นธรรมาภิบาล ทำงานเพื่อการศึกษาไทย....
0
