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.

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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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A window to the Pacific
Where did you drop the fish, son?
Oct 30, 2026Sandhill cranes, New Mexico, USA
Finding beauty in ruins
Butterfly, fly away
The lungs of Earth
Look, but don’t touch
May 9, 2025International Chameleon Day
Jul 30, 2026Monument Valley, Navajo Nation, Arizona, United States
Jan 18, 2024Pont Alexandre III, Paris, France
Nov 25, 2025Trevi Fountain, Rome, Italy
An underwater paradise to explore
Mar 2, 2026Harbour and longtail boats at Ko Samui, Thailand
Nov 16, 2023World Philosophy Day
Mar 3, 2024World Wildlife Day
Nov 13, 2023Serra de Tramuntana, Balearic Islands, Majorca, Spain
Nov 3, 2025Jellyfish swimming in the Pacific, Guerrero, Mexico
Nov 13, 2024Sea lion in a kelp forest, Baja California, Mexico
Jun 23, 2025Elbe river in Dresden, Saxony, Germany
Sept 16, 2026Polar bear cubs playing in Svalbard, Norway
Birthplace of the Renaissance
Apr 4, 2026Black grouse males, Estonia
Apr 14, 2025Ambedkar Jayanti
Aug 22, 2025Rolling hills of the Palouse, Washington, United States
Turtle-y nice day for a swim
Oct 21, 2025Happy Diwali!
When only a hug will do
Sep 8, 2025International Literacy Day
Feb 17, 2026Chinese New Year
Dec 24, 2024Silent night, sparkling lights and hearts full of joy