International Day of Light

What Is the International Day of Light?

May 16 is the International Day of Light. It is a UNESCO international day, endorsed at the 39th session of the UNESCO General Conference on November 7, 2017. The date marks the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman.

How the Day Came About

The International Day of Light was created as a lasting follow-up to the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies in 2015.

• The International Year of Light 2015: Under UNESCO's leadership, more than 13,000 activities took place in 147 countries, reaching an estimated audience of over 100 million.
• A 2016 resolution: On September 19, 2016, a resolution supporting the International Day of Light was adopted at the 200th session of the UNESCO Executive Board at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
• Sponsoring countries: The day was proposed by Ghana, Mexico, New Zealand, and the Russian Federation, and was supported by many other countries.
• Established in 2017: The Executive Board resolution was endorsed at the 39th session of the UNESCO General Conference on November 7, 2017.

The Laser: An Example of Science Changing Society

The organizers describe the laser as a perfect example of how a scientific discovery can yield revolutionary benefits to society in communications, healthcare, and many other fields. However, the International Day of Light is not just about lasers and science; it also includes art, culture, entertainment, and everywhere light is present.

Tips for Marking This Day

• Look for things around you that use light technology, such as lighting, cameras, and communications
• Take time to watch natural light change, such as at sunset or sunrise
• Learn how lasers work and about their history
• Enjoy works of art, such as photographs or paintings, with light as their theme

A Day to Notice the Light in Our Lives

Our lives are supported by light technologies in lighting, communications, medicine, and more. The International Day of Light on May 16 is a day to rethink the role light plays, not only in science but also in art and culture. Why not pay a little attention today to the light we usually take for granted?