International Day of Light
May 16th is the International Day of Light, established by UNESCO in November 2017. This day is celebrated annually by the Steering Committee as part of UNESCO's International Basic Science Programme (IBSP). Its establishment was inspired by the International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies, which UNESCO initiated in 2015. That year, 147 countries hosted more than 13,000 events highlighting the role of light in science, culture, art, medicine, and daily life. The date of May 16 was chosen to coincide with the day when the laser was first demonstrated to the world in 1960 by physicist and engineer Theodore Maiman.
Light plays a central role in human activity. Several scientists contributed to the invention of electricity at various historical times, leading to its development into the form we know today. The discovery of light has led to promising alternative energy sources, significant medical advances in technology for diagnosing and treating diseases, the creation of high-speed internet, and many other innovations that have revolutionized society and shaped our understanding of the universe. These technologies were developed over centuries of fundamental research into the properties of light, beginning with Ibn al-Haytham's Kitāb al-Manāẓir (Book of Optics), published in 1015, and including Einstein's inventions in the early 20th century that transformed our perception of time and light. Towards the end of the 16th century, the English scholar William Gilbert investigated the relationship between static electricity and magnetism, calculating the weight of an electric charge. He is often referred to as the father of electrical engineering or the father of electricity and magnetism. The name most commonly associated with the invention of electricity is Benjamin Franklin, known for his experiment in 1752. Franklin invented the lightning rod, a lamp for street lights, and an energy-efficient stove, and he researched the warm ocean current known as the Gulf Stream. Electric current was invented by the Italian physicist Alessandro Volta in 1800. He connected negative and positively charged conductors, passed a voltage across them, and obtained the first electric current, inventing the first electric battery. In the early 20th century, the Serbian-American engineer Nikola Tesla significantly contributed to the spread of electricity. He collaborated with Thomas Edison and introduced numerous revolutionary innovations in electromagnetism.
Observing this day internationally allows various segments of society to engage in events and showcase innovative technologies that aim to fulfill global goals in science, technology, art, and culture. Establishing this day is intended to protect our planet by addressing energy efficiency through creating and implementing new lighting technologies. 750 million people worldwide lack access to electricity, and 2 billion people lack clean food. To this end, the Azerbaijani State has hosted numerous international events and significantly contributed to the global community. Azerbaijan has positioned itself among the leading nations committed to global responsibilities by implementing projects such as "Green Energy," "COP 29," "Smart Village," and "Smart City." These initiatives demonstrate the power of collaboration in transforming energy, water, and food systems. All these events and projects were carried out as part of the initiatives aligned with the "Green World Solidarity Year" declared by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The advancement of light technologies and the large-scale projects implemented in our country contribute to improving the quality of life, ensuring food security, expanding the cultivation of organic agricultural products, minimizing factors that affect global climate change, and promoting the utilization of alternative energy sources.
Recommended literature:
- Tesla, Nikola. Mən işığın parçasıyam/N. Tesla; naşir M. Xan ; dizayner T. Fərzi. - Bakı: Mücrü, 2023. - 58 s.
- Tesla, Nikola. İcadları və elmi ixtiraları/N. Tesla ; tərc. R. Məmmədova ; red. İ. Musalı ; dizayn R. Alışbəyli. - Bakı: Qanun, 2020. - 23 s.
- Karintsev, N. A. Bir şəxsin tarixçeyi-həyatı: Tomas Alva Edison: [həyat və fəaliyyəti] /N. Karintsev; mütərcimi: S. Xülusi. - Bakı: Bakı fəhləsi, 1923. - 151 s.