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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Jan 18, 2026White Sands National Park, New Mexico, United States
Jun 12, 2025Chisos Mountains, Big Bend National Park, Texas, United States
Dec 13, 2024Christmas market, St. Stephens Basilica, Budapest, Hungary
Oct 1, 2023Lake Bled, Slovenia
Aug 12, 2026World Elephant Day
Jun 11, 2026Limpets at low tide on the coast of Praia da Ursa, Portugal
A beautiful labyrinth
Oct 11, 2023The Painted Hills, Oregon
Jun 23, 2024Dhaka, Bangladesh
Apr 29, 2026Belém Tower, Lisbon, Portugal
Alps of the sea
Aug 20, 2026An orca in Lynn Canal, Alaska, United States
Apr 19, 2025Zion National Park, Utah, United States
Where are these magnificent cliffs?
Aug 24, 2025European fallow deer in England
Dec 31, 2024New Years Eve in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Mar 21, 2025Happy International Day of Forests!
Mar 12, 2024Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA
Mar 20, 2025Spring equinox
Apr 3, 2026Armbrug bridge, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Jan 5, 2025Pushkarni, Sri Krishna Temple, Hampi, Karnataka
Jun 7, 2024World Oceans Day
Oct 23, 2025International Day of the Snow Leopard
Singing the blues
Mar 19, 2025A black heron canopy hunting in Botswana
Feb 26, 2024Ranthambhore National Park, Rajasthan, India
Sep 16, 2025Nighttime view over the Gulf Coast
Nov 19, 2023Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia
Who uses this grassy bridge?
Mar 27, 2024Amber Fort, Jaipur