International Day of Light May 16, 2024

International Day of Light

Today is the International Day of Light! Held on May 16, the day marks the anniversary of invention of the laser by the American physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman in 1960. This pioneering creation epitomises how innovation can revolutionise society, impacting fields from communications to healthcare. The scope of the celebration extends beyond lasers, embracing light"s presence in every aspect of human existence, from art and culture to science and technology.

© Feng Li/Getty Images News

palette

Today in History

Serene waters on a trembling earth
Owl be seeing you ... somewhere!
May 16, 2025Endangered Species Day
May 16, 2026Smith Rock State Park, Oregon, United States

More Desktop Wallpapers:

A labyrinth of luxury
Rainbow around the sun
Aug 15, 2026Ah Shi Sle Pah Wilderness, New Mexico, United States
A scented sea of purple
Blue as far as the eye can see
Where the rainbow ends
Jul. 18, 2025Orosei, Sardinia, Italy
Dec. 9, 2025National Llama Day
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Feb. 11, 2026Death Valley National Park, California, United States
Mar. 14, 2024Happy Pi Day!
Is it green with envy?
Tis the season for travel
Apr. 22, 2026Earth Day
Apr. 4, 2024Red lechwe, Okavango Delta, Botswana
Apr. 25, 2025World Penguin Day
What are these unique creatures?
Apr. 13, 2025Songkran—Thai New Year
Nov. 1, 2024Vineyards in Varnhalt, Black Forest, Germany
Sep. 16, 2023Oktoberfest begins
Oct. 12, 2024World Migratory Bird Day
The sea pool of Penzance
Nov. 5, 2023Playa del Silencio, Spain
Oct. 15, 2023European hedgehog
Jan. 5, 2024International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, Harbin, China
Aug 9, 2026International Day of the Worlds Indigenous Peoples
Aug. 1, 2025Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Three petals and three leaves
Jewel of the Adriatic
Aug. 23, 2025St. Barbaras Cathedral, Kutná Hora, Czechia