3D rendering of SARS-CoV-2

This is an image of the novel coronavirus, identified as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), that causes the illness COVID-19.

It was commissioned by the US health organisation Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which opened its emergency operations centre for the COVID-19 outbreak in January 2020. The purpose of commissioning this image was to help raise public awareness of the oncoming pandemic.

The image depicts the virus when viewed through a microscope: a speckled grey sphere with bright red spikes that create the now infamous crown-like appearance of the virus. Using lighting, texture, contrast and colour, Eckert and Higgins give the virus a beautiful yet threatening form.

Designed by Alissa Eckert (MSMI) and Dan Higgins (MAMS).