As children around the world excitedly await Santa’s arrival on Christmas, the military is prepared to track his journey and see if he’s utilizing any new technology. Equipped with radars, sensors, and aircraft, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) in Colorado closely monitors Santa and his sleigh from the moment he departs from the North Pole. This year, NORAD has once again launched its noradsanta.org website, social media sites, and mobile app, offering a wealth of games, movies, books, and music for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, a countdown clock on the website indicates when the official tracking of Santa’s sleigh will commence.
US Air Force Col. Elizabeth Mathias, Norad’s chief spokesperson, explains that the military tracks Santa using the same technology employed daily to safeguard North America. “We’re able to follow the light from Rudolph’s red nose,” she states. While Norad possesses a comprehensive understanding of the sleigh’s capabilities, Santa does not file a flight plan and may have some high-tech secrets up his red sleeve this year to aid his travels, possibly even involving artificial intelligence. “I don’t know yet if he’s using AI,” Mathias muses. “I’ll be curious to see if our assessment of his flight this year reveals any advanced capabilities.”
The tradition of tracking Santa began in 1955 when Air Force Col. Harry Shoup, the commander on duty at Norad’s predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command, received a call from a child who had accidentally dialed a misprinted telephone number in a newspaper department store ad, believing she was calling Santa. Thinking on his feet, Shoup assured the young caller that he was indeed Santa. As more calls poured in, he assigned a duty officer to continue answering them, thus establishing a heartwarming tradition.
This year, Norad anticipates approximately 1,100 volunteers to assist in answering calls from a dedicated operations center at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado Springs. These volunteers range from command staff to individuals hailing from different parts of the world. According to Mathias, participating in the operations center is often considered a bucket list item for many. She describes the center as “definitely the most festive place to be on December 24th.”
The operations center springs to life at 4 a.m. MTS on Christmas Eve and remains open until midnight. Anyone can call 1-877 HI-Norad (1-877-446-6723) to speak directly with Norad staff members who will provide real-time updates on Santa’s exact location. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children and adults alike to experience the magic of Christmas and join in the excitement of tracking Santa’s journey across the globe.
In conclusion, as children eagerly await Santa’s arrival, the military stands ready to track his movements and ensure that his journey remains safe and secure. With the help of advanced technology and dedicated volunteers, Norad provides an enchanting experience for individuals worldwide. So, this Christmas Eve, remember to keep an eye on the sky and join in the joy of tracking Santa as he spreads holiday cheer to all.
Source: The Manila Times
