Friday, March 21, 2008

Hoppy Easter!!!

Here are some facts about this year’s Easter. One of the factors determining the early date of Easter in 2008 is the leap year. Since February, 2008 had 29 days instead of the usual 28, the vernal equinox arrives a day earlier, on March 20 instead of March 21. It also so happens that the Full Moon in this month lands on March 21, earlier than in most years. Since March 21 is a Friday, the following Sunday is March 23, and it is on this date that Easter is celebrated in 2008. The earliest theoretical date for Easter is March 22, which would happen in a leap year if the Full Moon were the day after the equinox on a Saturday. Easter has not landed on March 22 since 1818 and will not fall on that date again until 2285. And Easter will not again fall on March 23 until 2160! So 2008 will be the earliest Easter for everyone alive today, since it will not fall this early again for another 152 years! So kids, be sure to tell your great-grandchildren about the early Easter of 2008! There you have it! Have a great weekend!

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