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.

© Feng Li/Getty Images News

palette

Today in History

Serene waters on a trembling earth
A place where Buddha attained enlightenment
May 16, 2025Hawa Mahal, Jaipur, Rajasthan

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Connecting the dots
Feb 15, 2026Celebrating Maha Shivaratri
Black-and-white bovines
Feb 25, 2024Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island, Canada
Sep 27, 2024Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
A postcard-perfect landscape
Feb 27, 2026International Polar Bear Day
Apr 7, 2025North American beaver, Moran, Wyoming, United States
Aug 27, 2024Young black caiman, Tambopata National Reserve, Peru
May 27, 2024Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, Tamil Nadu
Dec 27, 2025Plate ice along Lake Superior, Minnesota, United States
Why are blackbirds tied to winter?
So fresh, so clean
Look, but don’t touch
Jan 13, 2025Happy Welsh New Year!
Giants of the Southern Ocean
Jun 9, 2025Old City of Dubrovnik in Dalmatia, Croatia
Sep 25, 2025Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan
Feb 18, 2025The Great Blue Hole, Belize
Jun 26, 2024Banggai cardinalfish with sea anemone
Misty mountain hop
Apr 3, 2024Munnar, Kerala
Sep 8, 2024International Literacy Day
Mar 20, 2026Spring equinox
A painters palette of natures hues
A true symbol of heritage and royalty
Regal Radiance
Jul 8, 2024Blueberries growing in the wild
Nov 10, 2024Caribbean flamingos, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
Nov 20, 2023Gathering Place, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA