In this week’s issue of Crackers, our article, Our Solar System – How many planets?, explains why the Solar System is now made up of eight planets and not nine as most of us were taught until some time ago. In fact, it is good to know that in 2006, the International Astronomical Union voted to reclassify the farthest planet in our solar system, Pluto, as a dwarf planet. Other explanations are given as to why Mars was named after the Roman God of War and why many early civilisations associated Mars with its red colour. Even now, if you study the sky closely, there is a distinct red sparkle in the night sky.

This year will have an extra day in the month of February. In fact February will have 29 days instead of the usual 28, and is called a leap year. Leap years occur every four years and our article, What is a leap year? explains why leap years occur and why they are needed in our calendar.

Big Red Shoes is the name of the NEW magazine by McDonald’s for all boys and girls. The magazine which will be launched next Saturday is a must have… full of information, activities and lots of competitions. Become a member and you would be able to collect your magazine plus a free gift. Do not miss your copy!

See you next Thursday

Frances