According to the carol, it was Rudolph’s very shiny red nose that helped guide Santa and his fellow reindeers through a particularly foggy Christmas Eve.

But in reality, Rudolph’s luminous conk would not be needed.

Recent research has found Arctic reindeers change eye colour through the seasons to help them adapt to the dramatic changes of light in the polar region, helping them see better in the continuous darkness of winter.

Dr Juliet Dukes, from Kingston University’s School of Life Science, was part of the research team that made the discovery, and she will discuss her work during a Christmas-themed talk.

The Truth About Rudolph, Cafe Scientifique, Woody’s, Ram Passage, Kingston; December 10, 7pm; free.