This year, we experience our first Leap Year in 4 years. In fact, it only occurs once every 4 years–which means the next one will be in 2028. Leap year consists of an additional day being added in February, so there’s 29 days that month instead of the usual 28.

Where does the additional day come from and why? It actually takes the Earth slightly more than 365 days to make one full revolution around the sun. To be specific, it takes about 365.2422 days for one revolution. Once you do the math, it would equate to every 4 years that we would need the addition of an extra day in February. Here’s the catch though: not every 4 years is actually a leap year. In order for it to be a leap year, it has to be divisible by 4 but not 100. This fits the criteria for the number 2024, so we will have one this year.

So, no, leap year wasn’t made or invented just because someone got bored. It keeps us aligned with the seasons. Without the addition of a day in February, our seasons would all be messed up and summer wouldn’t be in the typical hot June-August months. Just think next time you complain about that extra day!