Leap years happen every four years, adding an extra day, known as ‘Leap Day’, to keep our calendar in sync with how long Earth takes around the sun (a bit more than 365 days). The year 2024 is one of those special leap years with 366 days instead of the usual 365. This extra day is placed in February, extending the month to 29 days instead of the usual 28.

Interesting facts about Leap Year

Extra Day: Leap years occur every four years to account for the extra 0.2422 days in Earth’s orbit around the Sun. The extras are added four times to make one whole day, which is when a leap day occurs.

Divisibility Rules: A leap year is generally divisible by 4. However, years divisible by 100 are not leap years unless they are also divisible by 400.

Traditions and Customs: Some traditions and customs are associated with Leap Day, including the tradition that women can propose to men on this day.

Rare Birthdays: People born on February 29th, known as ‘leap year babies’, celebrate their birthdays only once every four years.

Olympic Games: The scheduling of the Olympic Games takes into account the leap year cycle. The modern Olympic Games are usually held every four years, and the inclusion of leap years helps maintain this cycle.