Track Santa's Journey on Christmas Eve
Finally, the Internet reaches its potential - follow Santa's journey online in real-time.
For 364 days out of the year, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) spends its time tracking airplanes, missiles, space ships—anything flying near the United States and Canada.
But on Christmas Eve, a team of volunteers spends the night tracking a very special pilot: Santa Claus.
"We are the only organization that has the technology, the qualifications and the people to do it," NORAD said on its website. "NORAD tracks Santa, but only Santa knows his route, which means we cannot predict where and when he will arrive at your house."
Santa usually starts at the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean and travels west, NORAD noticed, meaning he moves from the South Pacific to New Zealand, Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe before arriving in Pennsylvania.
NORAD has tracked Santa for more than 50 years, ever since a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. ad misprinted a telephone number for calling Santa. Instead of reaching the North Pole workshop, the phone number put children through to NORAD’s director of operations, who had his staff check the radar for Santa’s progress.
"Mountains of historical data and over 50 years of NORAD tracking information leads us to believe that Santa Claus is alive and well in the hearts of people throughout the world," NORAD wrote on its website.
NORAD will start tracking Santa’s real-time progress starting at 1 a.m. on Dec. 24. This year, NORAD partnered with Google, so just type “Santa” into Google Maps to find his location.
Children can also call or email to check when Santa will be nearby. Dial 1-877-446-6723 or email noradtrackssanta@gmail.com to get an update starting at 3 a.m. on Dec. 24.
erica
1:54 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
Where is Santa right now?
david simmons
2:03 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
Waiting for santa in Bowling Green,Fla.
Libby Hope Furmedge
2:06 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
Santa as a current child I look forward to your visit I hope the children who are not as fortunate as I will have a brilliant Christmas to. I leave you a mince pie and carrots for reindeer, MERRY CHRISTMAS SANTA!!:)
Chris Beach
2:18 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
JASMIN AND ETHAN CAN NOT WAIT ,WE ARE VERY EXCITED
Madison Eich
2:22 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
waiting for santa so happy :D
Tania Hartmann-Krans
2:25 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
waiting for you to come to Utopia, Ontario Santa. Nadja and Gavin made you a snowman cookie.
Lesleyann Roberts
2:25 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
Hello santa its Maximus Roberts from plymouth. I have been a very good boy. Be careful flying with your reindeers its very cold tonight. I have left you some milk and cookies and an apple for rudolph, merry christmas, luv you lots santa xxx
Sharon Bryant
2:32 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
Jasmin, Daniella & Mariella have been very excited today. They have been good girls and have left a cookie and a drink for you and a carrot for reindeers. Thank you Santa love the Bryant Family xxxx
jude
2:34 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
Ava and Archie are waiting for Santa to visit, and cant wait!! We love you very much and know you'll be here soon as we have been really good. Happy Christmas x
daryl
3:19 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
i am the bigggest doctor who fan in the world, I would love it if you could get me david tenants flight control tardis and inside of the tardis playset. If you get it for me I would love it, and next year when i get to see you next year i will give you some money for a present for giving me the best present in the world from christopher AKA the master
Jason Spencer
3:19 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
Hello Santa.We're so excited and cant wait.We're getting milk and a mince pie ready for you.We've got a juicy carrot for Rudolph,too.Lots of love from Amy and Millie Spencer from Epsom,UK
declan byrne
3:39 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
hi daniel and dj Byrne are out of bath and almost asleep in dublin ireland..
hope to hear you soon santa.
happy xmas to all
Charlie Morris
4:22 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
cant wait for your visit in skelmersdale lancashire and charlie harry and layla are getting your treats ready for your visit xx
Charlie Morris
5:08 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
cant wait for santa to come to us in skelmersdale lancashire and charlie harry and layla are getting your treats ready for your visit. xx
marsha daniel
7:16 pm on Saturday, December 24, 2011
Brian & Brandon are extremely excited here in Walkertown,North Carolina!! They are getting ready to get snuggled in so give us about and hour then head our way!