Learning about Leap Year

MIKE SPRINGER/Staff photo
Michael Marks of Dedham, chief astro-guide with "The Sky Connection" traveling planetarium, tells fifth graders from West Parish Elementary School on Monday about the astronomical reasons for adding an extra "leap year" day in February every four years. Marks set up his inflatable planetarium, which he calls an "EduTarium," inside Kyrouz Auditorium at Gloucester City Hall. Mark explained to separate groups of students from each of the grades, K-5, that it takes roughly 365 and one-fourth days for the Earth to travel around the Sun. He said Julius Caesar was the first to add an extra day every four years to keep the calendar in synch with the seasons, and that Pope Gregory XIII added further refinements.

160229MSPPLANETARIUM