International Day of Light

When

1 – 5 p.m., June 1, 2025

Where

International Day of Light 2025

Image
International Day of Light 2025
staff in front of flandrau

International Day of Light
1601 E University Blvd.
Sunday, June 1, 2025
1:00 to 5:00 PM

Enjoy free planetarium programs and optics activities for families, teachers, and science enthusiasts of all ages!

FREE AND PAID ACTIVITIES

Enjoy free planetarium shows and presentations at 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM during this event. 

If you want to visit Flandrau's Science Exhibits during your visit, regular science exhibit admission of $10.95 for kids, $12.95 for seniors/military, and $14.95 for adults applies.

Children playing a digital game at flandrau

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL DAY OF LIGHT:

The International Day of Light is a UNESCO global initiative to celebrate light and the role it plays in science, culture and art, education, and sustainable development and in fields as diverse as medicine, communications, astronomy, and clean energy. The event marks the anniversary of the first successful operation of the laser in 1960 by physicist and engineer, Theodore Maiman. There’s no better place to celebrate light than in Arizona with our world leaders in optics, photonics, and astronomy!

Optics and photonics are the science and engineering of light used everywhere, every day. Join us on June 1 to explore and discover the world of optics and Arizona’s world leaders in the science of light!

Schedule of Events

International Day of Light activities

1 to 5PM - Fun with optics

Activities!

Explore basic optics principles with local experts and enthusiasts at the free, hands-on activity tables inside and outside Flandrau

Families in Flandrau Planetarium enjoying the show

2PM - Free planetarium show TBA

Free Fulldome Show!
Child kid girl looks up at planetarium

3:30PM - Free planetarium show TBA

Free Fulldome Show!
About Optics Valley

Arizona is home to world-class businesses and scientific and educational institutions with decades of innovation and leadership in optics, photonics and astronomy. Optics Valley is the industry cluster that helps its members thrive through business acceleration, workforce development, startup support, and connections to local and worldwide opportunities. Optics Valley is a committee of the Arizona Technology Council. 

Learn More about Optics Valley