International Day of Light observed on May 16

Key facts

• International Day of Light is observed on May 16 to recognise the role of light and light-based technologies across science, medicine, education, communications, arts, and sustainable development.
• The day is administered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) through its International Basic Science Programme and is formally backed by the United Nations (UN).
• The occasion marks the anniversary of the first successful laser operation conducted by Theodore Maiman in 1960.
• The term laser is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
• Hiroshi Amano, Shuji Nakamura, and Isamu Akasaki were awarded the 2014 Nobel Prize in Physics for developing the blue LED.