Where is Santa Claus? How to use NORAD’s tracker to follow him this Christmas
- The North American Aerospace Defense Command is tracking Santa Claus’ journey across the world
- ‘We’re the only organization that has the technology, the qualifications and the people to do it. And, we love it!’ NORAD says
- The tracking will begin at 6 am ET on Saturday, December 24 and anyone can call 1-877-HI-NORAD or check the Santa Tracker website for details
- NORAD is a joint organization of the United States and Canada that defends the continent from potential incoming airborne threats 365 days per year.
Children worldwide will be waiting with deep anticipation for Santa Claus to arrive bearing presents on Christmas morning.
Fortunately, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has its Santa Tracker at the ready to chronicle the journey of the jolly man and his reindeer across the globe.
NORAD is a joint organization of the United States and Canada that defends the continent from potential incoming airborne threats 365 days per year.
This year, the Santa Tracker will begin tracking St. Nick’s progress starting at 6 am ET on Saturday, December 24.
Children worldwide will be waiting with deep anticipation for Santa Claus to arrive bearing presents on Christmas morning
‘While the tradition of tracking Santa began purely by accident, NORAD continues to track Santa,’ the official NORAD Santa Tracker website states. ‘We’re the only organization that has the technology, the qualifications and the people to do it. And, we love it! NORAD is honored to be Santa’s official tracker.’
People of all ages can even call to inquire about Kris Kringle’s current location as he makes his way around the world to bring joy and cheer to children everywhere.
‘The NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center is fully operational beginning at 4 AM MST on December 24th,’ the tracker’s official website states.
‘You can call 1 877 HI-NORAD (1 877 446-6723) to talk directly to a NORAD staff member who will be able to tell you Santa’s exact location. Operators are available until midnight.’
The NORAD Santa Tracker has been around since 1955 and spends ‘minimal government funds,’ according to the site, thanks to corporate donations from the likes of Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and HP.
Over 1,250 NORAD personnel join in on the Santa Tracker effort each year, answering phone calls and emails about Santa’s progress.
Over 1,250 NORAD personnel join in on the Santa Tracker effort each year, answering phone calls and emails about Santa’s progress
People of all ages can even call to inquire about Kris Kringle’s current location as he makes his way around the world to bring joy and cheer to children everywhere. ‘The NORAD Tracks Santa Operations Center is fully operational beginning at 4 AM MST on December 24th,’ the tracker’s official website states
The entire operation is powered by simulation software built by AGI/Ansys.
‘Ansys simulation software is used to ensure NORAD can safely track Santa as he travels around the world,’ Adam Gorski, an aerospace engineer with Ansys Government Initiatives, told Space.com.
‘Ansys simulations ensure NORAD satellites can detect the heat from Rudolph’s nose, and radars can track Santa’s sleigh high in the sky. Our simulations are also used to help Santa’s elves perform some aerodynamic analysis on designs of his sleigh over the year.’
According to Gorski, Santa’s sleigh travels at Mach 7, a hypersonic speed, in order to ensure that all the delighted children worldwide receive their presents in a timely fashion by Christmas morning.
NORAD states that Santa himself weighs 260 pounds and will carry 60,000 tons of gifts when his journey begins. Santa’s climbing speed is ‘one T’ – or twinkle of an eye! – and his maximum speed is ‘faster than starlight.’
There’s an official NORAD Tracks Santa app available in the Apple App and Google Play stores, as well, so parents and kids can follow along that way.
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NORAD states that Santa himself weighs 260 pounds and will carry 60,000 tons of gifts when his journey begins. Santa’s climbing speed is ‘one T’ – or twinkle of an eye! – and his maximum speed is ‘faster than starlight’
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