International Day of Light 16 May 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
Owl be seeing you
16 May 2025Endangered Species Day
16 May 2026Smith Rock State Park, Oregon, United States

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1 Aug 2026Brighton Pride
26 Aug 2024Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge
13 Nov 2024Sea lion in a kelp forest, Baja California, Mexico
1 Jul 2024Canada Day
7 May 2024A duckling swimming in a water meadow, Suffolk, England
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9 Sep 2025Eurasian red squirrel, Switzerland
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3 May 2026International Leopard Day
10 Sep 2024Vasco da Gama Bridge, Lisbon, Portugal
10 Nov 2023Badlands National Park, South Dakota, USA
13 Oct 2026Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
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4 Oct 2024World Space Week begins
Green shoots
23 Jun 2025Elbe river in Dresden, Saxony, Germany
Regal Radiance
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21 Dec 2025Winter solstice
Colors of spring
31 Mar 2026Paradise Cave, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, Vietnam
11 May 2024World Migratory Bird Day
World Rivers Day
11 Mar 2024Koala
4 Mar 2026Purple crocus flowers, Seven Rila Lakes, Bulgaria
8 Jul 2025Seceda, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy