International Day of Light 16 May 2024

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
Owl be seeing you
16 May 2025Endangered Species Day

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Postcard from Italy
3 Jun 2025World Bicycle Day
18 Aug 2025Avalanche Lake Trail at Adirondack High Peaks, New York, United States
20 Jan 2026Penguin Awareness Day
27 Feb 2024International Polar Bear Day
Sep 7, 2023Camels in the desert, United Arab Emirates
30 Dec 2023Daiichi Tadami River Bridge, Fukushima, Japan
15 Apr 2024World Art Day
An explosive history
26 Jul 2024Summer Olympics begin in Paris
This lake is no mirage
18 Apr 2026World Heritage Day
4 Dec 2025International Cheetah Day
2 Jul 2025Spine-cheeked anemonefish
Masterpiece of acoustic engineering
10 Jun 2025Everglades National Park, Florida, United States
World Population Day
12 Sep 2025World Dolphin Day
6 Feb 2025Waitangi Day in New Zealand
A smooth landing, feet first
Art beyond beauty
23 Oct 2025International Day of the Snow Leopard
World Rivers Day
26 Oct 2023Stormont Estate, Northern Ireland
23 Dec 2023Festivus
16 May 2024International Day of Light
6 Nov 2025Celebrating Yi Peng
6 Jan 2025Flooded crypt, Basilica of San Francesco, Ravenna, Italy
5 Apr 2025Grand National
7 Nov 2024Vancouver Coastal Sea wolves in the Great Bear Rainforest, Canada