International Day of Light May 16, 2024

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.

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Today in History

Serene waters on a trembling earth
A place where Buddha attained enlightenment
May 16, 2025Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, Rajasthan
May 16, 2026Smith Rock State Park, Oregon, United States

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May 19, 2025Mount Hamilton, San Francisco Bay Area, California, United States
Oct 29, 2025Ancient til trees in Fanal Forest, Madeira, Portugal
Dec 10, 2025Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain
Feb 22, 2025Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Secluded sands in Mexico
Dec 2, 2023Angkor, Cambodia
Aug 31, 2023Saguaro cacti, Ironwood Forest National Monument, Arizona
Mar 29, 2025Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, United States
Aug 6, 2026Migrating wildebeest crossing Mara River in Masai Mara, Kenya
Feb 16, 2025Happy World Whale Day!
May 28, 2024The Monastery of Roussanou, Greece
Aug 25, 2023Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
Jan 6, 2025Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy
Dec 21, 2025Winter solstice
Oct 30, 2024Edinburgh Castle, Scotland, United Kingdom
An island made from a vow
Jan 1, 2024Happy New Year!
Jan 19, 2024Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
The other continent down under
Nov 1, 2025Bison grazingin Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, United States
Oct 2, 2023Gandhi Jayanti
May 5, 2025Dunluce Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
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Mar 19, 2026Short-beaked echidna, Adelaide Hills, Australia
Oct 24, 2023Vijayadashami
When ice imitates art
Jun 1, 2025World Reef Awareness Day
Apr 20, 2024Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, USA
A different kind of toucan
Panoramic Penzance