International Day of Light May 16, 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.

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Today in History

Serene waters on a trembling earth
Owl be seeing you ... somewhere!
May 16, 2025Endangered Species Day

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Say hello to these halophytes!
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A street filled with sakura trees
Shell-ebrating sea turtles
Dec. 8, 2023La Rocque Harbour, Island of Jersey
This museum sets the prairie on fire
Feb. 25, 2026Mendenhall Glacier, Alaska, United States
Babbling on and on
Feb. 11, 2025Yungang Grottoes, Datong, China
Hovering over harmonious horticulture
Spring is coming
Feb. 13, 2025Lake Tyrrell, Victoria, Australia
May 7, 2025Dunluce Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
How can we help at-risk animals?
Aug. 26, 2024Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Central Pacific Ocean
Trusty water-shifters
Apr. 23, 2025Shakespeare Day
Where the humpback whale sings
Behold the architectural marvel
This bird is peak beak
Dec. 10, 2024Lands End, Cornwall, England
Sep. 8, 2024International Literacy Day
Jan. 10, 2025Abraham Lake, Alberta
Dec. 5, 2024Tufa formation on Mono Lake, California, United States
Feb. 20, 2024Kinder Scout, Peak District National Park, UK
Mar. 29, 2025Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California, United States
Nov. 28, 2025Val Brandet, Brescia, Lombardy, Italy
Mar. 19, 2025A black heron canopy hunting in Botswana
Three petals and three leaves
Jun. 10, 2025Everglades National Park, Florida, United States