International Day of Light 2024 - May 16

Important Days

International Day of Light 2024: The International Day of Light was proclaimed by UNESCO on November 24, 2017. The date, May 16, was chosen to commemorate the first successful laser operation in 1960 by physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman.The International Day of Light is celebrated annually on May 16 to highlight the importance of light and its various applications in science, culture, art, education, and sustainable development.


      Incandescent Light Bulb (19th Century): Thomas Edison's invention of the incandescent light bulb in the late 19th century revolutionized indoor lighting, replacing less efficient gas and oil lamps and extending the productive hours of the day.

      Lasers (20th Century): The invention of lasers in the 20th century by researchers like Theodore Maiman and Arthur Schawlow opened up a wide array of applications, from precision cutting and welding in manufacturing to medical procedures like laser eye surgery and even entertainment through laser light shows.

      Fiber Optics (20th Century): The development of fiber optics in the mid-20th century enabled the transmission of data at unprecedented speeds over long distances. This technology underpins modern telecommunications networks, including the internet, allowing for rapid global communication and information exchange.

 

     


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