NORAD Tracks Santa Claus for 70 Years: A Tradition's Origin

The Origin of NORAD's Santa Tracking

• 🎅 NORAD has been tracking Santa Claus's journey for 70 years, a tradition that began before the current commander was born.
• 💡 The tradition started in 1950 when a child mistakenly called a hotline number printed on a Sears ad, reaching Colonel Shupe of NORAD's predecessor.
• 📞 Colonel Shupe, on alert, eased the child's concern by assuring him Santa was airborne, thus initiating the annual tracking mission.

Santa's Current Journey and Aviation Safety

• ✈️ As of the interview, Santa is airborne and heading towards the International Date Line and Russia, with weather cooperating despite being warmer than expected.
• ⚠️ NORAD coordinates with relevant agencies to ensure air traffic safety, but Santa is described as a highly disciplined and capable aviator who avoids conflicts.
• 🦌 Rudolph's shiny nose is noted as being helpful for tracking via infrared sensors.

NORAD's Tracking Methods

• 📡 NORAD employs a multi-layered approach to track Santa, utilizing radar, satellites, fighter aircraft, and airborne radar aircraft.
• 🗺️ These systems are combined to ensure Santa can be tracked under all weather and conditions.
• 🌍 Santa's path is generally westward, moving from Russia towards the Wake Islands, Marshall Islands, the Asian continent, Europe, and eventually North America.

Volunteer Efforts and Mission Reliability

• 📞 Over 200 volunteers are engaged throughout the day to answer calls and track Santa's journey, operating from early morning until night.
• ✅ The mission uses the same reliable systems NORAD employs daily for tracking activity around the continental United States and Canada.
• 🌟 The mission is described as 100% operational, with Santa being a very reliable teammate.