Science author Neil deGrasse Tyson took to Twitter on Christmas Eve to share that, in his view, it isn’t scientifically possible for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the flying reindeer with a glowing nose that Santa Claus trusts to help him deliver presents every year, to be male.
“Santa doesn’t know Zoology: Both male & female Reindeer grow antlers. But all male Reindeer lose their antlers in the late fall, well-before Christmas,” observed Tyson, before offering his followers the big kicker: “So Santa’s reindeer, which all sport antlers, are therefore all female, which means Rudolf has been misgendered.”
Santa doesn’t know Zoology:
Both male & female Reindeer grow antlers. But all male Reindeer lose their antlers in the late fall, well-before Christmas.
So Santa’s reindeer, which all sport antlers, are therefore all female, which means Rudolf has been misgendered. pic.twitter.com/fkHqhJM7dY
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) December 25, 2020
Tyson also determined that Santa must be knowledgeable in physics, on account that Rudolph’s nose is the perfect color for navigating poor weather. “Santa Knows Physics: Of all colors, Red light penetrates fog best. That’s why Benny the Blue-nosed reindeer never got the gig.”
Santa Knows Physics: Of all colors, Red light penetrates fog best. That’s why Benny the Blue-nosed reindeer never got the gig. pic.twitter.com/RddOficvWx
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) December 25, 2020
Commenters on Twitter promptly started roasting Tyson for offering his latest scientific assessment on Santa’s reindeer.
“This guy must be fun at Christmas parties,” tweeted Tim Murtaugh.
This guy must be fun at Christmas parties. https://t.co/5M13nG2BFd
— Tim Murtaugh (@TimMurtaugh) December 25, 2020
“Next you’re going to tell us that reindeer can’t actually fly,” tweeted Amber Athey.
Next you’re going to tell us that reindeer can’t actually fly https://t.co/ZlcdGVfPZ7
— Amber Athey (@amber_athey) December 25, 2020
“That’s ridiculous,” said Greg Price. “Next you’re gonna tell us that his nose doesn’t actually glow red.”
That’s ridiculous. Next you’re gonna tell us that his nose doesn’t actually glow red https://t.co/fw9Qcn8OSS
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) December 25, 2020
“Otherwise though the glowing nose part is excellent science,” tweeted Ron Coleman.
Otherwise though the glowing nose part is excellent science
— Ron Coleman (@RonColeman) December 25, 2020
“Imagine looking at a picture of flying reindeer and being like, science says this is inaccurate because … male reindeer don’t have antlers in the winter,” tweeted Jerry Dunleavy.
Imagine looking at a picture of flying reindeer and being like, science says this is inaccurate because … male reindeer don’t have antlers in the winter. https://t.co/aLhwPeSWg9
— Jerry Christmas, B.A. (@JerryDunleavy) December 25, 2020
“My god, you really are the biggest wet blanket, aren’t you?” tweeted Alex VanNess.
My god, you really are the biggest wet blanket, aren’t you? https://t.co/D4oMZjlU6l
— Alex VanNess (@thealexvanness) December 25, 2020
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