Tracking Santa Claus: NORAD’s Real-Time Location Updates – Southern Maryland Chronicle
For the 69th consecutive year, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is once again on a mission to track the jolliest man in the world, Santa Claus, as he embarks on his annual journey to spread joy and gifts to children far and wide. From their command center at Peterson Air Force Base, NORAD Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Charles D. Luckey and his team are using state-of-the-art radar and satellite technology to monitor Santa’s sleigh in real-time, ensuring that no child misses out on the magic of Christmas.
The Origins of a Beloved Tradition
The heartwarming tradition of tracking Santa all started back in 1955 when a simple misprint in a department store advertisement led to a child inadvertently calling the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), which later became NORAD. The officer on duty, Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, answered the call and, rather than dismissing the child’s inquiry, decided to play along, telling the child that he was indeed tracking Santa’s whereabouts. Little did he know that this small act of kindness would spark a tradition that has endured for generations.
How to Track Santa
This year, NORAD has made it easier than ever for families around the world to keep tabs on Santa’s journey:
– Website: The NORAD Tracks Santa website offers live updates and detailed information on Santa’s progress, starting at 4 a.m. Eastern time on December 24th.
– Call Center: Dial 1-877-HI-NORAD to speak with live operators from 6 a.m. to midnight Mountain Time, who will provide you with the latest updates on Santa’s whereabouts.
– Amazon Alexa: Simply ask, “Where is Santa?” using the NORAD Tracks Santa skill to receive real-time updates.
– NORAD Social Media: Follow NORAD on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for fun and festive updates throughout the day.
A Military Mission with a Festive Twist
While NORAD’s primary mission is to safeguard North American airspace from potential threats year-round, during the holiday season, their focus shifts to monitoring Santa’s movements. Using cutting-edge radar technology, they are able to detect Rudolph’s unmistakable red nose, which emits a unique infrared signature, allowing them to track Santa’s sleigh as he travels across the globe. As NORAD aptly puts it, “Santa calls the shots. We just track him.”
A Holiday Tradition
The Santa Tracker has become a global phenomenon, with early inquiries coming in from Japan and Europe, followed by a flurry of calls from eager children in the U.S. and Canada as Santa makes his way around the world. In a heartwarming display of holiday spirit, even the White House gets involved, with President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden taking calls from excited children in recent years, spreading joy and cheer.
Join the Festivities
To enhance the magic of Santa’s journey, NORAD’s website features interactive games, videos, and educational materials about Santa and his sleigh, providing entertainment for millions of families during the holiday season. With nearly seven decades of history, the NORAD Tracks Santa program continues to bring communities together in celebration of the wonder and joy of Christmas. As NORAD reminds us, “We have the watch—Santa’s got the magic.”
