Sure, we’ll play along. Scientists at Newcastle University in the U.K. decided a close-up image of a blood vessel looks like a reindeer with antlers flying through a starry sky.
As they saw it, even an eye and tail are visible as part of the pin head-sized vessel. So they enhanced the image to bring out the red nose and white antlers. Rudolph, is that you?
These scientists had been studying the inner workings of neurons in the hippocampus region of the brain when they happened upon this image and enhanced it for our holiday pleasure. Several news reports said the scientists were amazed at this image. Amused is more like it. Those crazy Brits!
Are we having a fun Christmas yet?
Deborah Byrd
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About the Author:
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.