Adding a leap year is an essential part of our calendar system, ensuring that our timekeeping remains aligned with Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Leap years have an extra day—February 29—making the year 366 days instead of the usual 365 days. This adjustment corrects the fact that a solar year is approximately 365.25 days long.
Why Do We Have Leap Years?
Earth’s orbit takes 365.25 days to complete. To synchronize our 365-day calendar with this orbital period, we add an extra day every four years. Without this correction, our calendar would gradually shift out of alignment with the seasons.
When Is the Next Leap Year?
The most recent leap year was 2024, and the next leap year will be in 2028. However, there is an exception: years divisible by 100 are not leap years unless they are also divisible by 400. For example, the year 2100 will not be a leap year.
FAQs About Leap Years
Q: Why do we have leap years?
A: Leap years compensate for the additional 0.25 days in each solar year, keeping our calendar aligned with Earth’s orbit.
Q: Is 2025 a leap year?
A: No, 2025 is not a leap year. The next leap year will be in 2028.
Q: How and how often do leap years occur?
A: Leap years occur every four years, except for years divisible by 100—unless they are also divisible by 400.
We invite readers to reflect on leap years and share how they plan to use their extra day in 2028. Feel free to comment below!
