For over 50 years, the US Defence organisation NORAD has been on high alert on Christmas Eve as the operation to track Santa on his journey moves into high gear. Thankfully, 2006 is no different!

NORAD uses four high-tech systems to track Santa – radar, satellites, Santa Cams and jet fighter aircraft.

Detecting Santa all starts with the NORAD radar system called the North Warning System. This powerful radar system has 47 installations strung across the northern border of North America. NORAD makes a point of checking the radar closely for indications of Santa Claus leaving the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

The moment our radar tells us that Santa has lifted off, we use our second mode of detection, the same satellites that we use in providing warning of possible missile launches aimed at North America.

For more information on NORAD’s plans, along with a history of the tracking system and some great links, visit the NORAD site!

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Entry was posted on Thursday, December 21st, 2006 at 7:19 am under Internet, Tips and advice.

Read more entries by Alex Zaharov-Reutt.
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