Born on May 16
International Day of Light
The day the first laser shone.
Next: May 16, 2027
Where it comes from
On 16 May 1960, at Hughes Research Laboratories in Malibu, California, the physicist Theodore Maiman and his assistant Irnee D'Haenens fired a short pulse of red light from a synthetic ruby crystal inside a coiled photographer's flash lamp. It was the first working laser.
How it's celebrated
The first International Day of Light, on 16 May 2018, brought more than 600 events in 87 countries, from hands-on activities in schools to festivals and light installations, with a celebration at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris. Universities, museums and science societies hold talks, open labs and science shows.
Did you know
The ruby in the first laser was a commercially made crystal of the kind used in precision watches.
Read the full story of International Day of Light
Star sign
Taurus · April 20 – May 20 · Earth sign
Steady and loyal, with a weakness for good food and comfortable things.