International Day of Light 2025: Why is it celebrated on May 16? Know history, theme, and significance
The IDL emphasises the role of such technologies in science, technology, art, and culture, thereby contributing to UNESCO's goal of education, equality, and peace. In 2025, it's being celebrated on Friday, May 16, under the theme 'Light, Innovation, Society.'
'The laser is a perfect example of how a scientific discovery can yield revolutionary benefits to society in communications, healthcare and many other fields,' according to the lightday.org website.
The United Nations declared 2015 the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies (IYL 2015) to enhance global awareness of the achievements of light research and its uses.
The event facilitated connections and collaborations between policymakers, industry leaders, scientists, artists, social companies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the general public.
Following the success of IYL 2015, Ghana, Mexico, New Zealand and Russia placed a resolution before the UNESCO Executive Board supporting the idea of an International Day of Light, which was adopted on September 19, 2016, at the Board's 200th session at the UNESCO HQ in Paris, France, with the first IDL held on May 16, 2018.
Celebration offers various sectors of society worldwide the opportunity to engage in activities that showcase how science, technology, art, and culture can contribute to achieving the goals of UNESCO. These goals include establishing the groundwork for peaceful societies.
The event allows people from all walks of life globally to participate in events that demonstrate how science, technology, art, and culture can help UNESCO achieve its objectives. These objectives include establishing the foundation for peaceful civilisations.
In essence, the International Day of Light is an opportunity to promote awareness about the critical role that light plays in our lives while also emphasising its importance in changing our world and inspiring future advancements, in addition to, seeking to foster scientific collaboration and investigate the potential of light-based technologies for promoting peace and sustainable development.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Protector of the realm: If there is a ‘father of conservation policy', it is Julian Huxley?
Call it the butterfly effect. Huxley expanded the meaning of the word 'heritage', and this laid the ground some of the most powerful initiatives of the otherwise largely ineffective United Nations. (Wikimedia) If there are rare fish protected in certain oceans, and unique lepidoptera still flitting about in certain patches of rainforest, they can in many ways be traced to a single person. In 1946, just after it was announced that he would be the first director-general of a new UN agency called Unesco (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), Julian Huxley wrote UNESCO: Its Purpose and its Philosophy, a manifesto for the body. Its mission, the evolutionary biologist said, would be two-fold: to protect, preserve and present existing elements of world heritage, and to actively conserve nature and 'its living beauty'. Huxley's manifesto was typical of the man: ambitious, far-sighted, daring, and rooted in his idea of an evolutionary humanism. His mission statement would expand the meaning of the word 'heritage', and in doing so would yield some of the most powerful initiatives of the otherwise largely ineffective United Nations. One of these would be the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN, founded in 1948), whose Red List shapes wildlife conservation around the world. Another would be CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), born in 1975. Huxley was born in 1887 in London. His paternal grandfather was Thomas Henry Huxley, the scientist and educator who coined the word 'agnostic' and was known as Darwin's Bulldog for his fierce defence of the theory of evolution. His maternal great-grandfather was Thomas Arnold, the godlike headmaster of Rugby School (immortalised in the Thomas Hughes novel, Tom Brown's Schooldays). One of Julian Huxley's siblings was Aldous Huxley, the writer, philosopher (and teacher at Eton, where he taught French to George Orwell); another, his half-brother Andrew Huxley, won the Nobel Prize in Medicine, in 1963. In many ways, Julian Huxley represented the best of the classic British University tradition: a deep specialisation (in biology), a strong grounding in the classics and, according to one of his teachers, 'an instinct for the right word and the right cadence'. He even won the prestigious Newdigate Prize for poetry, previously won by Matthew Arnold and Oscar Wilde. It was this ability to write well that made him one of the great popularisers of science in the 20th century. In 1923, he published Essays of a Biologist, a popular collection of writings on evolution, heredity and human society. He worked with HG Wells and his son GP Wells, to write The Science of Life (1930), an ambitious attempt to make biology and evolution accessible to the layman. His Evolution: The Modern Synthesis (1942), combined genetics, systematics (understanding the evolutionary relationships between different species), palaeontology, embryology and comparative anatomy into a single sweeping framework, and yet remained accessible to the lay person. Huxley was a committed eugenicist, believing that some people were genetically unfit for certain roles. In his words, '...a considerable percentage of young men have to be rejected for military service on grounds of physical weakness or mental instability, and… these grounds are often genetic in origin.' His ideas of eugenics, however, were never rooted in race. In his book, We Europeans: A Survey of 'Racial' Problems (1935), he argued that genetic and statistical findings confirmed that variations between individuals from within the same race were greater than the differences between races. In his 50s by the time of World War 2, he criticised Nazi ideas of race purity, calling them a cover for a vile political agenda. As effective as he was as a scientist and communicator, his lasting legacy has been elsewhere. 'One of the greats' There are many people who can claim the title of 'mother / father of conservation': Aldo Leopold, the American naturalist and author of A Sand County Almanac; Gifford Pinchot, the American forester and politician; Wangari Maathai, the Kenyan founder of the Green Belt Movement, among others. Huxley could well lay claim to being the father of conservation policy. As head of Unesco, he hosted meetings and invited natural scientists to explore how this body could coordinate a global conservation effort. He used his vast personal network of scientists, museum directors, naturalists and colonial administrators, many of whom had been active in the pre-war International Office for the Protection of Nature, to create what would become the framework for IUCN. That wasn't his first such achievement. Huxley, a passionate birder, co-founded the British Trust for Ornithology, in 1933. He was also instrumental to the formation of the UK's Council for Nature, in 1958. A series of articles he wrote for The Observer led directly to the formation of the World Wildlife Fund (now the World Wide Fund for Nature) in 1961. Incidentally, he also narrated David Attenborough's first nature documentary, Coelacanth (1952), on the rediscovery of the prehistoric fish. Huxley proposed border-defying World Parks, which today include the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park, established in 2002 across parts of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and South Africa. His push for a centralised, science-based system to track endangered species laid the groundwork for the IUCN Red List, which was born in 1964. When he died in 1975, aged 87, John Owen, Tanzania's former director of national parks, called him 'one of the world's great men'. People may be more familiar with the works of his more-famous brother, but Julian Huxley's imprint on our world is an indelible, and even more important, one. (K Narayanan writes on films, videogames, books and occasionally technology)
Time of India
5 days ago
- Time of India
‘It is the largest river delta on Earth': NASA astronaut captures the stunning view of the Ganga river delta from space
Source: X NASA astronaut Don Pettit has shared a striking near-infrared image of the Ganga River delta on X (formerly Twitter), captured during his Expedition 73 mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Posted on social media, the image provides a rare, high-contrast perspective of the world's largest river delta, showcasing the vast, fertile landscapes across eastern India and Bangladesh. The photograph highlights the power of space-based observation in understanding Earth's geography and the delicate ecosystems that sustain millions of people in the region. NASA astronaut captures Ganga river delta: Near-infrared photography reveals hidden ecosystem features Pettit captured the delta using near-infrared photography, a technique that highlights features invisible to the human eye. Healthy vegetation appears luminous, while rivers, marshes, and agricultural land stand out with remarkable clarity. Scientists use these images to monitor plant health, water distribution, and environmental changes over time. By revealing fine details of the landscape, near-infrared photography allows researchers to track the effects of climate change, urbanisation, and deforestation, providing crucial data to protect this vital ecosystem. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If Your Ears Ring, Stop Sleeping Like This Immediately Derila Ergo Undo Accompanying the image, Pettit described the region as 'the largest river delta on Earth,' underscoring both its geographical significance and natural splendour. The photograph quickly drew admiration from scientists, nature lovers, and photography enthusiasts alike and was praised for blending technical precision with artistic expression. Beyond its scientific value, Pettit's photograph has captured attention for its visual appeal. The glowing greenery, winding rivers, and patchwork of farmland create a composition that blends art and science seamlessly. Social media users and science communities alike have praised the image, noting both its technical precision and aesthetic beauty. Pettit's work highlights how space photography can inspire curiosity and appreciation for Earth's landscapes, offering a perspective rarely seen from the ground. The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta: Asia's largest river delta and vital biodiversity hotspot The Ganga or Ganges delta, also called the Bengal Delta or Sundarbans Delta, covers more than 100,000 square kilometres and flows into the Bay of Bengal. It is home to millions who depend on its rich soils for agriculture, and it contains the UNESCO-listed Sundarbans mangrove forest . This unique ecosystem provides a habitat for endangered species like the Bengal tiger and supports biodiversity through its dense forests and interwoven waterways. Seasonal flooding replenishes nutrients in the soil, creating highly productive farmland, but also poses challenges for communities living in the delta. The Ganga river delta: Vital ecosystem and environmental stability The Ganga river delta is not only vital for human livelihoods but also plays a crucial role in environmental stability. Its wetlands act as natural buffers against floods, while mangroves prevent coastal erosion and storm damage. Satellite and aerial imagery help scientists monitor these ecosystems, track seasonal flooding, and study the impact of climate change. Pettit's near-infrared photograph contributes to this research by providing a detailed view of vegetation and land use, complementing other scientific tools used to safeguard the delta's delicate balance. NASA astronaut Don Pettit's near-infrared images of the Ganga river delta provide a striking perspective on one of the world's most vital and expansive ecosystems. Covering over 100,000 square kilometres, the delta sustains millions of people, supports rich biodiversity, and safeguards coastal regions from natural disasters. Pettit's work combines scientific observation with artistic vision, emphasising the importance of monitoring waterways, vegetation, and ecological health from space. Such imagery not only showcases the beauty and fragility of our planet but also inspires greater environmental awareness, highlighting the urgent need for conservation and fostering a deeper global appreciation of Earth's natural landscapes. Also Read: NASA and Google collaborating together to develop AI medical assistant to boost astronaut health on Moon and Mars missions
NDTV
7 days ago
- NDTV
NASA To Build Nuclear Reactor On Moon By 2030, Here's Why
Mississippi: The first space race was about flags and footprints. Now, decades later, landing on the Moon is old news. The new race is to build there, and doing so hinges on power. In April 2025, China reportedly unveiled plans to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2035. This plant would support its planned international lunar research station. The United States countered in August, when acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy reportedly suggested a US reactor would be operational on the Moon by 2030. While it might feel like a sudden sprint, this isn't exactly breaking news. NASA and the Department of Energy have spent years quietly developing small nuclear power systems to power lunar bases, mining operations and long-term habitats. As a space lawyer focused on long-term human advancement into space, I see this not as an arms race but as a strategic infrastructure race. And in this case, infrastructure is influence. A lunar nuclear reactor may sound dramatic, but its neither illegal nor unprecedented. If deployed responsibly, it could allow countries to peacefully explore the Moon, fuel their economic growth and test out technologies for deeper space missions. But building a reactor also raises critical questions about access and power. The legal framework already exists Nuclear power in space isn't a new idea. Since the 1960s, the US and the Soviet Union have relied on radioisotope generators that use small amounts of radioactive elements - a type of nuclear fuel - to power satellites, Mars rovers and the Voyager probes. The United Nations' 1992 Principles Relevant to the Use of Nuclear Power Sources in Outer Space, a nonbinding resolution, recognizes that nuclear energy may be essential for missions where solar power is insufficient. This resolution sets guidelines for safety, transparency and international consultation. Nothing in international law prohibits the peaceful use of nuclear power on the Moon. But what matters is how countries deploy it. And the first country to succeed could shape the norms for expectations, behaviors and legal interpretations related to lunar presence and influence. Why being first matters The 1967 Outer Space Treaty, ratified by all major spacefaring nations including the U.S., China and Russia, governs space activity. Its Article IX requires that states act with "due regard to the corresponding interests of all other States Parties." That statement means if one country places a nuclear reactor on the Moon, others must navigate around it, legally and physically. In effect, it draws a line on the lunar map. If the reactor anchors a larger, long-term facility, it could quietly shape what countries do and how their moves are interpreted legally, on the Moon and beyond. Other articles in the Outer Space Treaty set similar boundaries on behavior, even as they encourage cooperation. They affirm that all countries have the right to freely explore and access the Moon and other celestial bodies, but they explicitly prohibit territorial claims or assertions of sovereignty. At the same time, the treaty acknowledges that countries may establish installations such as bases - and with that, gain the power to limit access. While visits by other countries are encouraged as a transparency measure, they must be preceded by prior consultations. Effectively, this grants operators a degree of control over who can enter and when. Building infrastructure is not staking a territorial claim. No one can own the Moon, but one country setting up a reactor could shape where and how others operate - functionally, if not legally. Infrastructure is influence Building a nuclear reactor establishes a country's presence in a given area. This idea is especially important for resource-rich areas such as the lunar south pole, where ice found in perpetually shadowed craters could fuel rockets and sustain lunar bases. These sought-after regions are scientifically vital and geopolitically sensitive, as multiple countries want to build bases or conduct research there. Building infrastructure in these areas would cement a country's ability to access the resources there and potentially exclude others from doing the same. Critics may worry about radiation risks. Even if designed for peaceful use and contained properly, reactors introduce new environmental and operational hazards, particularly in a dangerous setting such as space. But the UN guidelines do outline rigorous safety protocols, and following them could potentially mitigate these concerns. Why nuclear? Because solar has limits The Moon has little atmosphere and experiences 14-day stretches of darkness. In some shadowed craters, where ice is likely to be found, sunlight never reaches the surface at all. These issues make solar energy unreliable, if not impossible, in some of the most critical regions. A small lunar reactor could operate continuously for a decade or more, powering habitats, rovers, 3D printers and life-support systems. Nuclear power could be the linchpin for long-term human activity. And it's not just about the Moon - developing this capability is essential for missions to Mars, where solar power is even more constrained. A call for governance, not alarm The United States has an opportunity to lead not just in technology but in governance. If it commits to sharing its plans publicly, following Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty and reaffirming a commitment to peaceful use and international participation, it will encourage other countries to do the same. The future of the Moon won't be determined by who plants the most flags. It will be determined by who builds what, and how. Nuclear power may be essential for that future. Building transparently and in line with international guidelines would allow countries to more safely realize that future. A reactor on the Moon isn't a territorial claim or a declaration of war. But it is infrastructure. And infrastructure will be how countries display power - of all kinds - in the next era of space exploration. ( (Disclaimer Statement: Michelle L.D. Hanlon is affiliated with For All Moonkind, Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on protecting cultural heritage in outer space.)
