Astronomy Picture of the Day · February 29, 1996

Julius Caesar and Leap Days

The Astronomy Picture of the Day for February 29, 1996 is “Julius Caesar and Leap Days,” an image. It is credited to Photo Credit: Rune Rysstad. The original explanation runs about 213 words.

From the explanation

“Today, February 29th , is a leap day – a relatively rare occurrence. Advised by Alexandrian astronomer Sosigenes , Roman dictator Julius Caesar , pictured above in a self-decreed minted coin, created a calender system in 46 BC that contained one leap day every four years.”

— APOD editors, February 29, 1996

Read the full explanation on science.nasa.gov

At a glance

Date: February 29, 1996
Type: Image
Credit: Credit: Photo Credit: Rune Rysstad
Copyright: No copyright notice on the entry. Check the credited institution’s own usage rules before reusing it.
Explanation length: About 213 words

All of February 1996 → · 1996 by month → · Full archive since 1995 →

On this day: February 29 in other years

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Source

Astronomy Picture of the Day, February 29, 1996 — science.nasa.gov/image-article/apod-1996-february-29-julius-caesar-and-leap-days

Copy taken Oct 28, 2026, 2:39 AM EDT. The image and explanation belong to their creators. OpenOrbit is not affiliated with or endorsed by NASA.