For over seven decades, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has maintained a unique Christmas Eve tradition: tracking Santa Claus as he journeys around the world. What began as an accidental phone call in 1955 has evolved into a beloved annual event, blending military technology with holiday cheer.
The Accidental Beginning
The story starts with a curious child who, in 1955, misdialed a number meant for Santa Claus and instead reached the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), the predecessor to NORAD. Airmen, accustomed to monitoring foreign airspace, found themselves fielding calls from children expecting Santa, and unexpectedly took on the role. This unintended incident quickly took root as a tradition.
Over time, the tale grew more colorful, with some accounts suggesting a misprinted advertisement fueled the initial surge in calls. The truth behind the first call may be lost to time, but what matters is that it sparked a phenomenon.
From Defense Command to Holiday Helper
By 1960, NORAD had formalized the Santa tracking operation, issuing public updates on his progress. Today, the U.S. Department of Defense proudly notes that this Christmas marks seven decades of monitoring Santa’s sleigh using radar.
However, NORAD emphasizes that Santa’s route remains a mystery even to them. As a senior official stated, “NORAD tracks Santa, but only Santa knows his route.” This playful acknowledgment highlights the fantastical nature of the operation while maintaining its operational reality.
The Technology Behind the Magic
While the magic of Christmas relies on belief, NORAD’s tracking utilizes real-world defense technology. The command uses infrared sensors—originally designed to detect missile launches—to identify Santa’s sleigh. According to past statements, Rudolph’s glowing nose emits an infrared signature similar to that of a rocket, allowing satellites to pinpoint his location.
The Defense Support Program (DSP) satellites, developed in the 1970s, have been instrumental in this tracking process. More recently, the Space Based Infrared System Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (SBIRS-GEO) constellation has been deployed to enhance missile-detection capabilities, further refining NORAD’s ability to monitor Santa’s journey.
The Human Element
Despite the high-tech involvement, the Santa Tracker relies heavily on human support. Each Christmas, over 1,000 volunteers—both military personnel and civilians—staff NORAD’s headquarters in Colorado Springs, answering hundreds of thousands of calls from eager children.
How to Follow Santa’s Journey
On December 24th, starting at 6 a.m. ET (1100 GMT), the NORAD Santa Tracker goes live. Children can call (+1) 877-HI-NORAD (877-446-6723) or visit NORADSanta.org to monitor Santa’s progress in real-time.
NORAD’s tracking of Santa Claus is a testament to the blend of military capability and holiday spirit, demonstrating how even serious defense operations can embrace a touch of seasonal magic.
The tradition serves as a lighthearted reminder that even the most advanced technologies can be used for joy and wonder, especially during the most magical time of the year.
