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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Jul 8, 2024Blueberries growing in the wild
Jul 7, 2025Northern gannets, Shetland Islands, Scotland
Aug 24, 2026Brooklyn Bridge, New York City, United States
Like sands through the hourglass
A symbol of peace
Oct 3, 2024Taj Mahal, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
Jul 12, 2024Mount Rainier National Park, Washington, USA
Mar 1, 2025Sandstone hoodoos, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, United States
Mar 28, 2026African buffalo, Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Dec 8, 2025Christmas lights on buildings of Domaso, Lake Como, Italy
May 8, 2024Marseille welcomes to Olympic torch
Apr 27, 2026The glass dome of Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan, Italy
May 7, 2026Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona, United States
Hangin around
Dec 17, 2023Bohemian waxwings
Nov 2, 2025Maple and bamboo forests in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan
Tomb of the Golden Pharaoh
May 13, 2026Arch and Milky Way, Alabama Hills, California, United States
Nature at its colorful best
Jan 7, 2025Moeraki Boulders, South Island, New Zealand
Apr 11, 2025Tulips, Netherlands
Jan 25, 2026Burns Night in Scotland
Oct 13, 2024Royal Alcázar of Seville, Spain
Nov 14, 2025Happy Childrens Day
Gravity-defying wonders of the world
Take a hike!
Is it green with envy?
May 21, 2024International Tea Day
Feb 20, 2025Red deer, Canada
Natures boost fruit