What if you were born on a leap year? Here’s what you need to know

People born on a leap day, known as "leapers," often choose another date for their annual celebration. But their official age remains technically younger than most.

Digital Desk: Understanding the concept of leap years: Rather than having 365 days, it has 366 days and adds one extra day, February 29. To maintain Earth's clock in sync with the sun, this is done every four years. The fact that Earth orbits the sun slightly over 365 days is balanced by this correction. 

February 29 is a relatively rare day, occurring every four years, and those born on this day miss out on celebrating their birthdays annually.

People born on a leap day, known as "leapers," often choose another date for their annual celebration. But their official age remains technically younger than most. 

In the United Kingdom, for instance, when a child is born on a leap day, the official birthday is listed as February 28 in non-leap years. Although there are around 5 million people who were born on a leap day, their official birthdays only occur every four years.

Notable leaplings include former Prime Minister Morarji Desai, Lata Mangeshkar’s father, Dinanath Mangeshkar, and actress Jaanvi Chheda. 

Interestingly, leap years are not unique to Earth, and almost every other planet in our solar system follows leap years. Due to differences in orbital periods, Mars encounters leap years to align its calendars.

Leap Day holds a certain charm with its unusual traditions, making it a curious day that adds a unique touch to the calendar.