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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Sep 27, 2024Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
A gorge-ous place to drop in
Apr 17, 2026International Bat Appreciation Day
Nov 5, 2023Playa del Silencio, Spain
Jul 20, 2024International Moon Day
Jan 4, 2025Bản Giốc – Detian Falls, Vietnam
Oct 11, 2024Wood duck, Quebec, Canada
Feb 23, 2025Mount Fuji Day
Nov 10, 2025Black-tailed prairie dogs in Badlands National Park, United States
Apr 8, 2026Seattle, Washington, United States
Jan 10, 2026The Matterhorn reflected in Lake Stellisee at sunrise, Zermatt, Switzerland
Sep 26, 2023Venice Skatepark, Los Angeles, California
Jul 5, 2026Lavender rows, Plateau de Valensole, Provence, France
May 27, 2024Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, Tamil Nadu
May 10, 2025Minnesota State Capitol, St. Paul, Minnesota, United States
Dec 18, 2023Capitol Reef National Park, Utah
Sep 23, 2025Keel-billed toucan, Costa Rica
Apr 24, 2026Everglades National Park, Florida, United States
Blue as far as the eye can see
Sept 16, 2026Polar bear cubs playing in Svalbard, Norway
Aug 29, 2023Turkey tail mushroom
Widespread and long-eared
When being in a rut is OK
High above the Aegean Sea
A plant for all occasions
Dec 13, 2024Christmas market, St. Stephens Basilica, Budapest, Hungary
Jan 22, 2025Ad-Deir, Petra, Jordan
Sep 20, 2025Oktoberfest begins!
Stripes in sight
Heaven meets Earth!