Track Santa – NORAD and Google Earth

by Judi ~ December 15, 2008

Track Santa on Christmas Eve as he and his reindeer travel around the world delivering presents.

NORAD began tracking Santa in 1955. Their website has grown over the last several years and we get to participate in different ways too.

NORAD uses 4 different tracking systems (high-tech systems at that!) – radar, satellites, Santa Cams and, believe it or not, fighter jets. I think the fighter jets are the neatest part, as they greet Santa and his reindeer as he flies into the United States!

Luckily, NORAD makes it possible for us to watch for Santa as he makes his journey across the world by using the Santa Cams – and now track Santa in 3D with Google Earth, we can actually see Santa, his sleigh and the reindeer making that journey. We may not be able to fly with him, but we get the next best thing by watching him on our computers at home.

If the kids are getting anxious, send them to NORAD’s website where they can see the Santa Countdown and play in the Village.

Santa’s Reindeer by name:
Dasher
Dancer
Prancer
Vixon
Comet
Cupid
Donner
Blitzen
and if it’s a foggy night, Rudolph may join the Christmas fun!

Merry Christmas!  Have fun Tracking Santa!