Note the timestamp. That’s right, the Sidereal New Year isn’t until 6 pm on January 1st, 2008. That’s because, as each year adds 6 hours, every four years we add one calendar day. Well, the Earth hasn’t gone all the way around the sun relative to the stars (thus, sidereal) until it has taken up those 6 hours for every year. Since 2007 is the third year since the last leap year, then the sidereal new year is 18 hours into the calendar year. As a leap year, 2008 will add another 6 hours to make 24 total hours, but then take them all away with leap year day. Tip to remember: leap years are the only years where the sidereal new year (sun-Earth-stars) and the calendar year (clock-midnight) are the same.
Just another excuse to party. Go here if you want to know more. Much more.
