Bozeman celebrates International Day of Light with Montana Science Center and MSU Optics & Photonics Society

On Monday, May 16, 2022, Montana Science Center partnered with Montana State University Optics and Photonics Society and the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance for International Day of Light. The day celebrates the role light plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development, and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, and energy. The celebration allows many different sectors of society worldwide to participate in activities that demonstrate how science, technology, art and culture can help build the foundation for peaceful societies.

Every year theInternational Day of Light is celebrated on May 16th, marking the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman and is a call to strengthen scientific cooperation and harness its potential to foster peace and sustainable development.

Bozeman’s International Day of Light features two main events. During the day, Montana Science Center will host students from MSU’s Optics and Photonics Society for hands-on, family friendly activities. These demonstrations of optical phenomena encourage understanding of light science and concepts. MSC will also announce the newest permanent exhibit, Light Lab: A photonic exploration, opening June 2022. The partnership between MSC and the Optics & Photonics Society sparks curiosity in young scientists about light science, encourages development of critical stem skills and showcases STEM pathways to careers in optics and photonics.

In the evening, both groups will partner with the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance for an evening at MSU’s Norm Asbjornson building featuring speakers, demonstrations and networking for adults. Featured speakers, MSU Professors Erik Grumstrup, Sara Mast, and Joseph Shaw, will give short lectures about light in nature, art, climate, and energy. These events are hosted by The Optics and Photonics Society at Montana State University, Montana Science Center, and the Montana Photonics Industry Alliance.

The public is invited to these events, which will be held at the Montana Science Center at 2744 W. Main St. from 10am to 1pm on Monday and from 5pm to 6pm at Montana State University.