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Star Watch: Leap Year… and a Comet Recap

The C/2023 A3 comet was in view in the western sky in mid to late October after sunset, and the author snapped this photo (thanks to clear skies) on Oct. 16.

Ever wonder how a “leap year” is determined or why we even have it at all? The answer lies somewhere in the realm of astronomy, mathematics, and Roman history.
We (should) all know that our calendar year is based on how long it takes the Earth to complete one orbit around the sun. But did you know that it actually takes the Earth 365 and one-quarter days to make the trip? So what to do with those extra six hours?

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