h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

A526673 Why The Earth Has Seasons

Author: U116149 Bright Blue Shorts

I checked the h2g2 calendar date and saw the solstice was an annual event on the 21st Dec and tweeted it accordingly. Normally, I check my sources when reporting something on twitter, but I've always considered the guide to be fairly reliable about things like that so didn't do so on this occasion. It's since been pointed out to me that this year's winter solstice is on the 22nd Dec (5.30 UTC) not the 21st.

There is no mention in the EG entry that the time of the solstice can fluctuate to the point at which it occurs on the following day in some years. An update to mention this is needed on this, both to the Entry itself and to the Calendar page. Our entry is currently less accurate than the one on Wikipedia.

OMG say it isn't soooooo

The fluctuation is because the year is 365.25 days long, rather than 365. So each year it advances by a quarter day, until when it gets too far ahead, we stick an extra day into the calendar to catch up (29th February).

You're right - the entry should be updated. I'll get Nosebagbadger to add it to his list.

*mops brow* I am glad I got it right on my December BATS Diary Dates, A87724326