Placeholder Content Image

Leap of imagination: how February 29 reminds us of our mysterious relationship with time and space

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emily-ohara-874665">Emily O'Hara</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p>If you find it intriguing that February 28 will be followed this week by February 29, rather than March 1 as it usually is, spare a thought for those alive in 1582. Back then, Thursday October 4 was followed by Friday October 15.</p> <p>Ten whole days were snatched from the present when Pope Gregory XIII issued a papal bull to “restore” the calendar from discrepancies that had crept into the Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE.</p> <p>The new Gregorian calendar returned the northern hemisphere’s vernal equinox to its “proper” place, around March 21. (The equinox is when the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, and is used to determine the date of Easter.)</p> <p>The Julian calendar had observed a leap year every four years, but this meant time had drifted out of alignment with the dates of celestial events and astronomical seasons.</p> <p>In the Gregorian calendar, leap days were added only to years that were a multiple of four – like 2024 – with an exception for years that were evenly divisible by 100, but not 400 – like 1700.</p> <p>Simply put, leap days exist because it doesn’t take a neat 365 days for Earth to orbit the Sun. It takes 365.2422 days. Tracking the movement of celestial objects through space in an orderly pattern doesn’t quite work, which is why we have February – time’s great mop.</p> <h2>Time and space</h2> <p>This is just part of the history of how February – the shortest month, and originally the last month in the Roman calendar – came to have the job of absorbing those inconsistencies in the temporal calculations of the world’s most commonly used calendar.</p> <p>There is plenty of <a href="https://theconversation.com/leap-day-fixing-the-faults-in-our-stars-54032">science</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/explainer-the-science-behind-leap-years-and-how-they-work-54788">maths</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-a-seasonal-snarl-up-in-the-mid-1500s-gave-us-our-strange-rules-for-leap-years-132659">astrophysics</a> explaining the relationship between time and the planet we live on. But I like to think leap years and days offer something even more interesting to consider: why do we have calendars anyway?</p> <p>And what have they got to do with how we understand the wonder and strangeness of our existence in the universe? Because calendars tell a story, not just about time, but also about space.</p> <p>Our reckoning of time on Earth is through our spatial relationship to the Sun, Moon and stars. Time, and its place in our lives, sits somewhere between the scientific, the celestial and the spiritual.</p> <p>It is <a href="https://shop.whitechapelgallery.org/products/time">notoriously slippery, subjective and experiential</a>. It is also marked, tracked and determined in myriad ways across different cultures, from tropical to solar to <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/pou-tiaki/300062097/matariki-and-the-maramataka-the-mori-lunar-calendar">lunar</a> calendars.</p> <p>It is the Sun that measures a day and gives us our first reference point for understanding time. But it is the <a href="https://librarysearch.aut.ac.nz/vufind/Record/1145999?sid=25214690">Moon</a>, as a major celestial body, that extends our perception of time. By stretching a span of one day into something longer, it offers us a chance for philosophical reflection.</p> <p>The Sun (or its effect at least) is either present or not present. The Moon, however, goes through phases of transformation. It appears and disappears, changing shape and hinting that one night is not exactly like the one before or after.</p> <p>The Moon also has a distinct rhythm that can be tracked and understood as a pattern, giving us another sense of duration. Time is just that – overlapping durations: instants, seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades, lifetimes, centuries, ages.</p> <h2>The elusive Moon</h2> <p>It is almost impossible to imagine how time might feel in the absence of all the tools and gadgets we use to track, control and corral it. But it’s also hard to know what we might do in the absence of time as a unit of productivity – a measurable, dispensable resource.</p> <p>The closest we might come is simply to imagine what life might feel like in the absence of the Moon. Each day would rise and fall, in a rhythm of its own, but without visible reference to anything else. Just endless shifts from light to dark.</p> <p>Nights would be almost completely dark without the light of the Moon. Only stars at a much further distance would puncture the inky sky. The world around us would change – trees would grow, mammals would age and die, land masses would shift and change – but all would happen in an endless cycle of sunrise to sunset.</p> <p>The light from the Sun takes <a href="https://www.skyatnightmagazine.com/space-science/how-take-light-from-sun-reach-earth">eight minutes</a> to reach Earth, so the sunlight we see is always eight minutes in the past.</p> <p>I remember sitting outside when I first learned this, and wondering what the temporal delay might be between me and other objects: a plum tree, trees at the end of the street, hills in the distance, light on the horizon when looking out over the ocean, stars in the night sky.</p> <p>Moonlight, for reference, takes about <a href="https://www.pbs.org/seeinginthedark/astronomy-topics/light-as-a-cosmic-time-machine.html">1.3 seconds</a> to get to Earth. Light always travels at the same speed, it is entirely constant. The differing duration between how long it takes for sunlight or moonlight to reach the Earth is determined by the space in between.</p> <p>Time on the other hand, is anything but constant. There are countless ways we characterise it. The mere fact we have so many calendars and ways of describing perceptual time hints at our inability to pin it down.</p> <p>Calendars give us the impression we can, and have, made time predictable and understandable. Leap years, days and seconds serve as a periodic reminder that we haven’t.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/224503/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emily-ohara-874665"><em>Emily O'Hara</em></a><em>, Senior Lecturer, Spatial Design + Temporary Practices, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/leap-of-imagination-how-february-29-reminds-us-of-our-mysterious-relationship-with-time-and-space-224503">original article</a>.</em></p>

Technology

Placeholder Content Image

Your weekly horoscope for February 28th 2022

<p dir="ltr">With a new moon in the sign of Pisces on the horizon, this week is all about ambition, creativity and enthusiasm. </p> <p dir="ltr">This new beginning is your chance to invest your energy wisely into things that make you feel fulfilled and inspired, and stop letting negativity drag you down. </p> <p dir="ltr">♈ <strong>Aries (March 21st - April 19th)</strong></p> <p>Having a goal to strive for will keep you motivated and pushing ahead, even when times feel tough. </p> <p dir="ltr">Exercise your self-discipline and remember that not everything worth having comes easy.</p> <p dir="ltr">♉ <strong>Taurus (April 20th - May 20th)</strong></p> <p>Trying something new and outside your comfort zone will pay off in spades this week, as you open doors to new opportunities. </p> <p dir="ltr">Putting your energy into being creative will help you find new ways to express yourself.</p> <p dir="ltr">♊ <strong>Gemini (May 21st - June 20th)</strong></p> <p>In order to be productive and reach your goals, it’s important to rest and recharge. </p> <p dir="ltr">Take time for yourself this week, and remember that self-care is crucial to being able to soldier on and be the best version of yourself. </p> <p dir="ltr">♋ <strong>Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd)</strong></p> <p>This week, challenging your reserved nature by being assertive and fierce will see you gain the respect and admiration of your peers. </p> <p dir="ltr">Stand up for what you believe in, and don’t let others keep you from being true to yourself.</p> <p dir="ltr">♌ <strong>Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd)</strong></p> <p>Don’t push relationships that aren’t meant to be this week, as it will only hinder putting your energy into the right person. </p> <p dir="ltr">Deep down, you know when it feels right and when it’s time to let go.</p> <p dir="ltr">♍ <strong>Virgo (August 23rd - September 22nd)</strong></p> <p>As life seems tough and conflict seems rife, this week will challenge your problem solving skills. </p> <p dir="ltr">Think clearly and rationally, and remember to do what is best for yourself and those closest to you. </p> <p dir="ltr">♎ <strong>Libra (September 23rd - October 22nd)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Invest in your future this week, as financial gains are just around the corner if you know where to look for them. </p> <p dir="ltr">This life-long security could set you up for years to come, if you are willing to put in the work and make the calculated risk to see it all pay off. </p> <p dir="ltr">♏ <strong>Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Take the time to learn something new this week, whether it's a big life lesson or a small creative hobby. </p> <p dir="ltr">Investing in your education will help you see the world a little clearer, as knowledge is your greatest weapon. </p> <p dir="ltr">♐ <strong>Sagittarius (November 22nd - December 21st)</strong></p> <p>Getting a project or goal underway and fighting the urge to give up will be your greatest success this week. </p> <p dir="ltr">It's important to remember that hard work takes time, and if you are patient and motivated, a positive outcome is imminent. </p> <p dir="ltr">♑ <strong>Capricorn (December 22nd - January 20th)</strong></p> <p>Partake in a creative endeavour with a loved one this week, as sharing this new expression will see your relationships blossom.</p> <p>Using a different medium to divulge your emotions will open up a vulnerable and important conversation about the future. </p> <p dir="ltr">♒ <strong>Aquarius (January 21st - February 18th)</strong></p> <p>Realising that you can take something old and make it new again will be a valuable lesson this week.</p> <p dir="ltr">Instead of giving up on something, or someone, put in the time and effort to reevaluate your expectations and rejuvenate your life. </p> <p dir="ltr">♓ <strong>Pisces (February 19th - March 20th)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Challenge yourself this week by taking up a task or project that has always puzzled you. </p> <p dir="ltr">By pushing your creative limits to further understand your own boundaries, you will feel fulfilled in a new and exciting way. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Your weekly horoscope for February 22nd 2022

<p dir="ltr">As Pisces season ramps up in full force, this week is all about tuning into your emotions. </p> <p dir="ltr">The emotionally sensitive and aware water sign season will make you reevaluate the importance of your relationships, while also bringing out your inner empath. </p> <p dir="ltr">♈ <strong>Aries (March 21st - April 19th)</strong></p> <p>Your career will flourish this week, as long as you make the time to collaborate with people around you.</p> <p dir="ltr">You may think you overthink things or that you have overshared too soon, but your loved ones will appreciate your vulnerability. </p> <p dir="ltr">♉ <strong>Taurus (April 20th - May 20th)</strong></p> <p>Thinking big and passionately this week will pay off in spades, as you learn that your fears are the only obstacle to success.</p> <p>Tune in to the signals the universe is sending you, as everything happens with your best interests at heart. </p> <p dir="ltr">♊ <strong>Gemini (May 21st - June 20th)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Making a big leap in life will help you feel more secure in your life and finances, so invest in yourself and your future. </p> <p dir="ltr">Overcoming what you’re scared of will help you dive into a once in a lifetime situation. </p> <p dir="ltr">♋ <strong>Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd)</strong></p> <p>Embrace commitment in your relationships, as your partnerships will help bring out the best in you this week. </p> <p dir="ltr">Reflect on your own hesitations, and question what is making you reevaluate the comforts in your life. </p> <p dir="ltr">♌ <strong>Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Contribution is key this week, as you learn you can still be a valuable team player without being the centre of attention. </p> <p dir="ltr">You will feel like your words and image are being misconstrued, making you jump to defend yourself.</p> <p dir="ltr">♍ <strong>Virgo (August 23rd - September 22nd)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Beware of sharing unrequited proclamations this week, as while your vulnerability will be appreciated, you run the risk of being misinterpreted. </p> <p dir="ltr">Let your hair down and have fun this week, and remember that giving up control isn’t always a bad thing. </p> <p dir="ltr">♎ <strong>Libra (September 23rd - October 22nd)</strong></p> <p>Improving your lifestyle choices this week will help you flourish in the long term, as you work to be the best version of yourself. </p> <p dir="ltr">Check in with your spending habits, and evaluate what can change instead of going into meltdown. </p> <p dir="ltr">♏ <strong>Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st)</strong></p> <p>Passion and conviction will get you a long way this week, as you fight to be heard in a professional setting. </p> <p dir="ltr">Assess a situation using your intuition instead of logic, feeling out if you should dive into commitment with reckless abandon or not. </p> <p dir="ltr">♐ <strong>Sagittarius (November 22nd - December 21st)</strong></p> <p>Invest in yourself, your loved ones and your safe space this week, as you surround yourself with comforts. </p> <p dir="ltr">Consider going with the flow, instead of overthinking how things can go wrong. You may be pleasantly surprised. </p> <p dir="ltr">♑ <strong>Capricorn (December 22nd - January 20th)</strong></p> <p>Empathy and understanding will rule your week, as you become a shoulder for loved ones to lean on. </p> <p dir="ltr">Don’t close yourself off to the potential of a new experience or connection, as you work to overpower your instinct to recoil from emotional gestures. </p> <p dir="ltr">♒ <strong>Aquarius (January 21st - February 18th)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Despite your urge for independence, you will feel drawn to rely on others for support this week.</p> <p dir="ltr">Sit and relish in your emotions, although the discomfort is foreign, use this time to tune in to what you really want. </p> <p dir="ltr">♓ <strong>Pisces (February 19th - March 20th)</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Collaborating with the right people will help to fulfil a lifelong dream this week, as you realise you can’t always do everything alone.</p> <p dir="ltr">Read the room and trust your instincts, as you know what’s best for you and your loved ones. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Your weekly horoscope for February 14th 2022

<p dir="ltr">With Wednesday’s full moon occurring in the sign of Leo, this week is all about courage, confidence and creativity.</p><p dir="ltr">As the last days of Aquarius season are upon us, it’s time to be outspoken and candid as Pisces take their place in the spotlight for their powerful season. </p><p dir="ltr">♈ <strong>Aries (March 21st - April 19th)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">This week’s clarity will shed light on the importance of your close relationships, showing how much they need to be worked at and maintained. </p><p dir="ltr">Despite feeling the Valentine’s Day pressure, step away from grand gestures and plan your moment wisely. </p><p dir="ltr">♉ <strong>Taurus (April 20th - May 20th)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">If you want something this week, only you can make it happen by toughening up your emotions. </p><p dir="ltr">Lean on your friends, as this vulnerability could open doors for collaboration you never thought possible. </p><p dir="ltr">♊ <strong>Gemini (May 21st - June 20th)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Use the chaotic power of the Leo full moon to try out those ideas that might seem a little too crazy to succeed, because the results may surprise you. </p><p dir="ltr">Seeing your career in a more positive light will help you succeed at work, and fulfil the balance of success and freedom you’ve been searching for. </p><p dir="ltr">♋ <strong>Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">If you’ve been waiting in the wings for your moment in the spotlight, it’s time to show them who’s boss this week. </p><p dir="ltr">The urge to splurge will be strong this week, so keep a hold of your finances and don’t let the impulses win.</p><p dir="ltr">♌ <strong>Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Your desire to be the centre of attention will be palpable this week, as the full moon thrusts you into centre stage. </p><p dir="ltr">Take it in your stride, and don’t let arrogance take over your grace.</p><p dir="ltr">♍ <strong>Virgo (August 23rd - September 22nd)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">You will yearn for more power and control in all aspects of your life this week, as you repel the idea of submission.</p><p dir="ltr">A difficult situation will have you losing your head, where you would’ve otherwise stayed calm. Collect your thoughts and recalibrate your energy to get through the day. </p><p dir="ltr">♎ <strong>Libra (September 23rd - October 22nd)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Negotiation and problem solving will be the key to healthy relationships this week, after a few rocky weeks in your communication sector. </p><p dir="ltr">An unusual financial escapade will come your way, forcing you to focus on your own career journey. </p><p dir="ltr">♏ <strong>Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Be bold and brave in your romantic gestures this week, as Valentine’s Day will bring out your inner hopeless romantic. </p><p dir="ltr">Your natural creative flair will help solve a crisis at work, rather than letting the difficult situation spiral out of control. </p><p dir="ltr">♐ <strong>Sagittarius (November 22nd - December 21st)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">This week is your chance to decipher any messages that may have got lost in translation, as your communication skills will be on fire. </p><p dir="ltr">Save your energy this week, as the Leo full moon has the power to match your fire with fire and make you feel burnt out. </p><p dir="ltr">♑ <strong>Capricorn (December 22nd - January 20th)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">This week’s full moon will give you the confidence and courage you need to put yourself out there and be the boss you know you can be.</p><p dir="ltr">Usually reserved with your emotions, you will feel the pull to be open and vulnerable with loved ones and tell them how you really feel. </p><p dir="ltr">♒ <strong>Aquarius (January 21st - February 18th)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Speaking your mind unapologetically will have you winning big this week, as people find themselves drawn to your convincing energy. </p><p dir="ltr">Your emotions will feel heightened (in a good way), if you learn how to discern who you share your true self with. </p><p dir="ltr">♓ <strong>Pisces (February 19th - March 20th)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Check in on your personal values this week, as you will feel tested by what you believe and what others try to sway you by. </p><p dir="ltr">Celebrate the small wins, even if you haven’t quite hit your overall goals, as being kind to yourself will pay off in spades. </p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Your weekly horoscope for February 7th 2022

<p dir="ltr">Living your life on your own terms is the theme of the week, as it’s time to be unapologetically yourself. </p><p dir="ltr">During times of uncertainty, it's easy to fall into instinctive patterns of reclusiveness, but ist time to remember that life is only fun if you live loudly. </p><p dir="ltr">♈ <strong>Aries (March 21st - April 19th)</strong></p><p>You will feel a pull to be the centre of attention this week, as you step up and take on the role of the leader of the pack. </p><p dir="ltr">Your words will have more power than you realise, so be wary of divulging home truths during hard-hitting conversations. </p><p dir="ltr">♉ <strong>Taurus (April 20th - May 20th)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Your bubble of contentment will be invaded by unruly chaos this week, as you learn how to balance your problem solving skills in different areas. </p><p dir="ltr">This eye-opening chaos will help you see a different point of view, as you step outside your comfort zone with newfound confidence. </p><p dir="ltr">♊ <strong>Gemini (May 21st - June 20th)</strong></p><p>This week will present a new opportunity to find balance in both freedom and commitment in all aspects of your life. </p><p dir="ltr">Practice silencing your negative inner thoughts and treat yourself how you would treat others. </p><p dir="ltr">♋ <strong>Cancer (June 21st - July 22nd)</strong></p><p>A busy week of unforeseen drama will leave you feeling angry, frustrated and in need of control.</p><p dir="ltr">You can reign in the chaos by asserting your dominance and staying calm under pressure, prompting others to follow suit.</p><p>♌ <strong>Leo (July 23rd - August 22nd)</strong></p><p>Your rebellious nature will thrive this week, as you learn that routine and structure doesn’t always work for you. </p><p dir="ltr">A sticky situation will push you to stand up for yourself with confidence and conviction.<br /><br />♍ <strong>Virgo (August 23rd - September 22nd)</strong></p><p>Your creativity will be on fire this week, as you find new, fun ways to express your emotions. </p><p dir="ltr">By expressing your needs and desires to those closest to you, you will learn that you can get what you need if you just ask for it. </p><p dir="ltr">♎ <strong>Libra (September 23rd - October 22nd)</strong><br /><br />This week you will feel the urge to go at it alone, by going on solo adventures and doing things your own way without interference. </p><p dir="ltr">While the truth may hurt, it's better to let out your feelings than keep them bottled up. </p><p dir="ltr">♏ <strong>Scorpio (October 23rd - November 21st)</strong></p><p>When an argument seems to get the better of you, it's important to look at the subtext in order to reach a conclusion. </p><p dir="ltr">By using your natural charisma, you will positively impact others, and get your own way in the process.</p><p dir="ltr">♐ <strong>Sagittarius (November 22nd - December 21st)</strong></p><p>A boost to your bank account this week will leave you fighting the urge to be impulsive with your finances.</p><p>Setting your sights on a new venture will have you feeling fulfilled as you throw caution to the wind and immerse yourself in a new experience. </p><p dir="ltr">♑ <strong>Capricorn (December 22nd - January 20th)</strong></p><p>The sky’s the limit this week, as a rare planetary lineup in your sign will have you gaining ground in all aspects of your life.</p><p>Despite this string of successes, don’t be afraid to show vulnerability in order to win people over to your side. </p><p dir="ltr">♒ <strong>Aquarius (January 21st - February 18th)</strong></p><p>While manifesting your dreams can make for positive outcomes, this week you need to actually put in the ground work to get what you want.</p><p>Your emotions will be in overdrive this week, so be careful of who you choose to confide in. </p><p>♓ <strong>Pisces (February 19th - March 20th)</strong></p><p dir="ltr">Despite your natural need to keep everyone happy, this week you may need to gently put someone in their place for the greater good. </p><p dir="ltr">While this conflict is uncomfortable, stand your ground and refuse to be a push-over by finding your inner strength and leadership. </p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

The emotional reason why the Queen leaves her Christmas tree up until February

<p>The royal family have many traditions that are not adhered to by everyone else, one being that they do not remove any of their Christmas decorations until February.</p> <p>The royal family enjoy the magic of the Christmas tree, tinsel, baubles and wreaths, up until February 6 each year.</p> <p>However, there is a heartbreaking reason behind the Queen’s extension of the Christmas season.</p> <p>It is believed the 91-year-old Sovereign waits until the anniversary of her father, King George VI’s death until the decorations are packed down.</p> <p>The Queen stays at Sandringham Estate in Norfolk until the anniversary has passed so that she can remember her father in solitude before returning to Buckingham Palace.</p> <p>Queen Elizabeth and her father were very close when she was growing up and after marrying Prince Philip, King George VI wrote a letter to his daughter saying he “had lost something” that day.</p> <p>"I was so proud and thrilled at having you so close to me on our long walk in Westminster Abbey," the late King wrote in the letter, which was revealed to the public in 2015 to mark the Queen and Prince Philip’s 68th wedding anniversary.</p> <p>"But when I handed your hand to the Archbishop, I felt I had lost something very precious.</p> <p>"You were so calm and composed during the service and said your words with such conviction that I knew everything was alright.</p> <p>"I have watched you grow up all these years with pride under the skilful direction of Mummy, who, as you know, is the most marvellous person in the world in my eyes, and I can, I know, always count on you and now Philip to help us in our work.</p> <p>"Your leaving us has left a great blank in our lives. But do remember that your old home is still yours and do come back to it as much and as often as possible.</p> <p>"I can see that you are sublimely happy with Philip which is right but don't forget us, is the wish of your ever loving and devoted... Papa."</p> <p>King George VI sadly passed away from lung cancer on February 6, 1952. </p>

News