StarTalk Radio Things You Thought You Knew - The Ancient Planets
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Nov 12, 2024 Dive into intriguing revelations about the sun, as it's revealed to be far larger than we ever imagined. Explore the curious origins of leap years and how ancient Romans devised their calendars. Discover the fascinating link between the seven ancient planets and our week’s structure. Engage with the untold stories of celestial measurements and the whimsical notion of 'Planet George.' This lively discussion blends humor, science, and mythology, shedding light on our cosmic heritage.
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The Subjective Diameter of the Sun
- The Sun's diameter is subjective and depends on how we define its "edge".
- Different wavelengths of light reveal different diameters due to varying emission points.
The Reason for Leap Days
- Leap days exist because Earth's rotation doesn't evenly divide into its orbital period.
- A year is 365 days plus about six hours, requiring an extra day every four years.
Fixing the Calendar
- The Julian calendar's leap day system caused the vernal equinox to shift over centuries.
- Pope Gregory XIII commissioned a fix, resulting in the Gregorian calendar we use today.