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

More Desktop Wallpapers:

The lord of all beginnings
Mar 5, 2025Khao Sok National Park in Thailand
The sprout with amazing potential
Jan 25, 2026Burns Night in Scotland
Aug 20, 2023Start Point Lighthouse, South Devon, England
Spiralling upward...
The other great barrier reef
Jul 9, 2025Independence Day of the Argentine Republic
May 15, 2024The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Our forgotten forests
A convocation of eagles assembles
Nov 7, 2023Kirkilai lakes, Biržai Regional Park, Lithuania
Jul 19, 2025Luna moth in New Braunfels, Texas, United States
Jun 13, 2024Registan Square, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Oct 28, 2024Pumpkin field, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
An island crossroad of culture
Feb 6, 2024Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Nov 27, 2025Eastbourne Pier, East Sussex, England
Nov 9, 2024Aït Benhaddou, Morocco
Where we go to play
Apr 10, 2025Siblings Day
May 28, 2025World Otter Day
Oct 2, 2023Gandhi Jayanti
May 11, 2025Happy Mothers Day!
Sep 29, 2023Sangameswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Dec 4, 2025Indian Navy Day
Dec 19, 2024Sibiu Christmas Market, Romania
Nov 14, 2023Russell lupines, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
Jun 11, 2024A group of Southern gemsbok in the savannah, Botswana
When just a pinch of salt won’t do