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.

© 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:

18 Jul 2025Staghorn coral in shallow ocean
Mists over the Amazon
History in the making
22 Sep 2025Autumn equinox
Just a couple of know-it-owls
17 Jan 2025Brown pelican, San Diego, California, United States
This blue succulent has spirit
We’ve identified these ‘flying objects’
A butterflys best friend
A stunning chamber for beautiful art
Surrounded by a sea of sand
Glasto turns 50
4 Dec 2024Wildlife Conservation Day
Let’s protect our turtles
16 Oct 2025Eurasian lynx
11 Oct 2024Grasmere, Lake District, Cumbria, England
15 Feb 2025Kingfisher
A pink moon over Arizona
Underwater underground
1 Sep 2025Rock layers in Zumaia, Basque Country, Spain
Drifting through Kerala
5 Sep 20242024 Toronto International Film Festival
Happy Mothers Day!
18 Sep 2023Milky Way over Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park
14 Aug 2025Cable car station on Piz Nair mountain, Graubünden, Switzerland
Panoramic Penzance
Clouds dance above Sundance
Its puffling season!
Centuries of time in a Delicate Arch
26 Jan 2025European beech forest, Belgium