NORAD's Santa Tracker: A Beloved Christmas Tradition
As Christmas Eve unfolds, millions around the world eagerly anticipate the arrival of Santa Claus, and the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is once again prepared to track his journey. This year marks the 69th anniversary of NORAD's Santa tracking tradition, which began in 1955 by accident when a misprinted phone number led a child to call the Continental Air Defense Command instead of Santa. Since then, NORAD has been dedicated to providing real-time updates on Santa's travels, starting at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Christmas Eve.
How to Follow Santa's Journey
Families can track Santa's flight through various platforms, including the NORAD website, the NORAD Tracks Santa app, and social media channels. Additionally, Santa's journey can be monitored via Amazon Alexa, OnStar, and SiriusXM. The tracker not only shows Santa's current location but also the number of presents he has delivered. While NORAD cannot predict the exact time Santa will arrive at individual homes, it typically occurs between 9 p.m. and midnight on Christmas Eve.
The Technology Behind the Tracking
NORAD utilizes advanced technology to monitor Santa's flight path. The agency employs a radar system known as the Northern Warning System, which consists of 47 installations across northern Canada and Alaska. This system is used to detect Santa's departure from the North Pole, and NORAD also utilizes satellites that are typically employed for missile defense to track his journey. Santa's route generally begins in the South Pacific, moving through New Zealand and Australia, then across Asia, Africa, Europe, and finally to North America and beyond. Weather conditions can affect his travel, adding an element of unpredictability to the beloved holiday tradition.
