Here's why we have February 29th
The Earth takes approximately 365.242190 days to orbit the Sun, not exactly 365 days. To keep our calendar aligned with the seasons, we add an extra day (February 29th) every four years, called a leap year.
The rules for leap years are:
- A year divisible by 4 is a leap year
- Century years must be divisible by 400 to be leap years
(2000 was a leap year, but 1900 wasn't)
Without leap years, our calendar would gradually drift away from the seasons, affecting farming cycles and seasonal activities.
Fun fact: February was chosen for the extra day because it was originally the last month of the Roman calendar.
1504
Christopher Columbus uses a lunar eclipse to his advantage
AI analysis
On February 29, 1504, while stranded in Jamaica, Columbus used his knowledge of a lunar eclipse to convince local tribes to supply his crew with food, demonstrating early instances of scientific knowledge affecting social dynamics. --AI Explanation
1692
The first arrests are made in the Salem Witch Trials
AI analysis
On February 29, 1692, the Salem Witch Trials began with accusations and arrests. This period of paranoia led to tragic outcomes and remains a powerful example of the dangers of mass hysteria and the abuse of legal systems. --AI Explanation
1712
February 29 appears in Sweden as a "double leap day"
AI analysis
On February 29, 1712, Sweden added an extra day to February as part of an effort to transition from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. This unique “double leap day” is an example of the complexities involved in aligning global timekeeping. --AI Explanation
1940
Hattie McDaniel becomes the first African American to win an Oscar
AI analysis
On February 29, 1940, Hattie McDaniel won an Academy Award for her role in Gone with the Wind, breaking racial barriers in Hollywood and marking a milestone in the fight for diversity in the entertainment industry. --AI Explanation
1944
World War II: Operation Brewer begins in the Pacific
AI analysis
On February 29, 1944, U.S. forces launched Operation Brewer, aimed at liberating the Admiralty Islands from Japanese control. This operation was part of the broader Pacific campaign and significantly advanced Allied positions. --AI Explanation
1960
The first Playboy Club opens in Chicago
AI analysis
On February 29, 1960, Hugh Hefner opened the first Playboy Club in Chicago, revolutionizing entertainment culture with its distinct brand. The club became a cultural phenomenon but also sparked conversations about gender and media representation. --AI Explanation
1964
Australian swimmer Dawn Fraser sets a world record
AI analysis
On February 29, 1964, swimmer Dawn Fraser set a world record for the 100-meter freestyle, making her one of the most decorated athletes of her time and a national icon in Australia. --AI Explanation
1972
Hank Aaron becomes the first baseball player to sign a $200,000 contract
AI analysis
On February 29, 1972, Hank Aaron made history with a record-breaking contract, highlighting the growing commercialization of professional sports and cementing his legacy as a baseball legend. --AI Explanation
1980
Gordie Howe becomes the first NHL player to score 800 career goals
AI analysis
On February 29, 1980, hockey legend Gordie Howe scored his 800th career goal, setting a standard of excellence in the NHL and inspiring generations of hockey players. --AI Explanation
1988
South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu is arrested during an anti-apartheid protest
AI analysis
On February 29, 1988, Archbishop Desmond Tutu was detained for his role in an anti-apartheid protest, exemplifying his dedication to fighting racial segregation and his significant contributions to social justice in South Africa. --AI Explanation
1996
A Peruvian Boeing 737 crashes, killing all passengers
AI analysis
On February 29, 1996, a Boeing 737 operated by Faucett Airlines crashed, killing everyone on board. The tragedy highlighted aviation safety issues, particularly for airlines operating in challenging regions. --AI Explanation
2000
Leap Day tornado outbreak occurs in the United States
AI analysis
On February 29, 2000, a rare tornado outbreak struck southern U.S. states, causing widespread damage. The event underscored the unpredictability of natural disasters and the need for effective preparedness and response strategies. --AI Explanation
2004
Jean-Bertrand Aristide resigns as president of Haiti
AI analysis
On February 29, 2004, Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide resigned amid political turmoil, creating a power vacuum and plunging Haiti into deeper instability. His departure reflected ongoing challenges in governance and social inequality in the nation. --AI Explanation
2008
A rare leap year tornado hits the United States, causing fatalities
AI analysis
On February 29, 2008, another rare leap day tornado struck Arkansas and other southern states, resulting in multiple fatalities. This event raised awareness about the effects of climate anomalies and the importance of timely disaster warnings. --AI Explanation
2012
Pope Benedict XVI creates 22 new cardinals
AI analysis
On February 29, 2012, Pope Benedict XVI appointed 22 new cardinals in a rare leap day consistory, solidifying his influence within the Catholic Church and setting the stage for future leadership transitions. --AI Explanation
2016
Indian Wells Open offers pay parity for female tennis players
AI analysis
On February 29, 2016, the Indian Wells Open announced equal prize money for male and female players, marking a victory for gender equality in sports and reflecting the growing support for equal pay in tennis. --AI Explanation
2020
The United States and the Taliban sign a peace agreement in Doha
AI analysis
On February 29, 2020, the U.S. signed a peace agreement with the Taliban in Doha, Qatar, marking the first steps toward ending the war in Afghanistan. The agreement set the stage for a future U.S. military withdrawal, though the transition was complex. --AI Explanation
2020
Scotland becomes the first country to provide free sanitary products
AI analysis
On February 29, 2020, Scotland became the first country to provide free menstrual products to all women, addressing period poverty and setting a precedent for global public health policies on menstrual equity. --AI Explanation
2020
Leap Day protests against climate change across Europe
AI analysis
On February 29, 2020, climate activists organized protests across Europe, using the rare leap day to emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change and demanding action from governments worldwide. --AI Explanation
2020
COVID-19 cases surge in Italy
AI analysis
On February 29, 2020, Italy reported a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases, marking a pivotal moment in the pandemic’s spread in Europe. Italy's struggle to contain the virus highlighted the need for coordinated global responses to infectious disease. --AI Explanation
