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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7 Nov 2023Kirkilai lakes, Biržai Regional Park, Lithuania
10 May 2025Minnesota State Capitol, St Paul, Minnesota, United States
Masterpiece of acoustic engineering
13 Sep 2023Hemakuta Hill, Hampi
Spanning the soft sunlight
9 Jun 2024Bardenas Reales Biosphere Reserve and Natural Park, Navarra, Spain
23 Nov 2025Fibonacci Day
12 Nov 2024Arches National Park, Utah, United States
10 Feb 2026Es Vedrà and Es Vedranell, Ibiza, Spain
22 Jan 2024Walton Lighthouse, Santa Cruz, California, USA
7 Apr 2025Happy International Beaver Day!
23 Jan 2024Maldives
The fjords of Italy
Where is this ethereal mountain?
14 Oct 2025Village of Oia in Santorini, Greece
25 Mar 2025Tolkien Reading Day
18 Nov 2024Porthcawl lighthouse, Wales
9 Dec 2025Guanaco, Punta Norte, Valdés Peninsula, Argentina
20 Oct 2024International Sloth Day
28 Apr 2024El Capitan, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas, USA
On the open ocean road
24 Jan 2024Diamond Beach, Iceland
27 Aug 2025World Lake Day
Rising with the sun
17 Aug 2026False clownfish off Cabilao Island, Bohol, Philippines
1 Aug 2024Floating fruit market, Kaptai Lake, Rangamati, Bangladesh
Come on, guys, this way!
A bridge that holds up history
24 Feb 2025Giant cuttlefish, Whyalla, South Australia, Australia
5 Jun 2025World Environment Day