Santa Claus and the physics

• Help solve Santa's logistics troubles with a little maths

  The Route Santa application, from Napier University, is one. The app shows an example of an algorithm solving the Travelling Santa Problem. Those hoping to receive gifts on the 25 December can contribute to the efficient running of Santa's rounds by uploading their address into an interactive map. The Route Santa software will then add that address to its list and work out the best route for Rudolph. The more hopeful recipients that sign up, the more efficient Santa's journey will be.

The Physics of Santa Claus

In conclusion -- If Santa ever DID deliver presents on Christmas Eve, he's dead now.

• Santa at Nearly the Speed of Light

  About this time of year, inquisitive children of a certain age begin to question whether Santa is real. After all, Santa has a major delivery problem. There are some 2 billion children in the world expecting Christmas presents. Assuming an average of 2.5 children per household, then, Santa has to visit about 800 million homes scattered about the globe.

• How many homes Santa visits per one second