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
A place where Buddha attained enlightenment
May 16, 2025Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, Rajasthan
May 16, 2026Smith Rock State Park, Oregon, United States

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Mar 10, 2024Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand, India
Where are these prickly pears?
Nov 23, 2025Fibonacci Day
Aug 23, 2023Cenotaphs, Orchha, Madhya Pradesh
Sep 28, 2024Gulf Islands National Seashore, Florida, USA
Mar 4, 2024Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Nov 19, 2023Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia
Aug 29, 2024Castellfollit de la Roca, Catalonia, Spain
Im ready for my close-up, Mr. DeSquirrel
Oct 19, 2025Apples ready for harvest, Minnesota, United States
Feb 3, 2024Grand Canal with Santa Maria della Salute Basilica, Venice, Italy
Finding beauty in ruins
A future built on the past
Jun 25, 2025Glastonbury Festival begins
Jan 11, 2026Blue walls of Chefchaouen, Morocco
Jan 26, 2025Republic Day
Nov 17, 2025Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, United States
Jan 9, 2025Sossusvlei sand dunes, Namib desert, Namibia
May 20, 2026World Bee Day
Apr 3, 2026Armbrug bridge, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Mar 25, 2025Tolkien Reading Day
In the spotlight
Oct 4, 2025World Space Week
Jul 21, 2026Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua, Guatemala
Oct 8, 2024World Octopus Day
King of the jungle? Nope
The rivers run through us
May 7, 2024A duckling swimming in a water meadow, Suffolk, England
A gorge-ous place to drop in
Nov 27, 2025Eastbourne Pier, East Sussex, England