NORAD Santa tracker follows Father Christmas
Rather than listening out for the sound of the bells on his sleigh, children can now follow Father Christmas's progress on Facebook, Twitter and Google Maps.The US military's North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has been tracking Santa for over 50 years - thanks to their radar system and satellites.
But this year, children around the world are receiving live updates since Santa set off at 11am (GMT) and seeing his movements plotted live on online maps.
NORAD say they are able to do this because Rudolph's nose gives off an infrared signature, which their satellites can detect… remember these are the people keeping America safe.
"Satellites positioned in geo-synchronous orbit at 22,300 miles from the Earth’s surface are equipped with infrared sensors, which enable them to detect heat."
The tradition of tracking Santa began in 1955 after a Colorado Springs-based Sears Roebuck & Co. advertisement for children to call Santa misprinted the telephone number. Instead of reaching Santa, the phone number put kids through to the CONAD Commander-in-Chief's operations "hotline."
The Director of Operations at the time, Colonel Harry Shoup, had his staff check the radar for indications of Santa making his way south from the North Pole. Children who called were given updates on his location, and a tradition was born.
LINKS
NORAD Santa Tracker
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