The messy history behind the modern calendar
Why is May, May? We explain the genesis of the modern calendar
This year, the UK has had its hottest May and June days on record, with the mercury hitting the high thirties.
But while the markings on a thermometer seem scientific and regular, the way we split up our calendar does not. Why, for instance, does May have 31 days and June have 30?
To find out why our calendar has its modern form, we speak to Kristen Lippincott, former director of the Royal Observatory at Greenwich, and author of The Story of Time.
If you have seen a number in the news you think we should take a look at, email moreorless@bbc.co.uk
Presenter: Tim Harford
Producer: Josh McMinn
Series Producer: Tom Colls
Programme Coordinator: Brenda Brown
Sound Engineer: Giles Aspen
Editor: Richard Vadon
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Broadcasts
- Sat 27 Jun 202605:50BBC World Service except Australasia, East and Southern Africa, East Asia & South Asia
- Sun 28 Jun 202605:50BBC World Service East and Southern Africa
- Sun 28 Jun 202609:50BBC World Service Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa only
- Sun 28 Jun 202611:50BBC World Service except East and Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa
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More or Less
Tim Harford explains the numbers and statistics used in everyday life
