NORAD Santa Tracker 2012; Check Santa's Up-to-Date Location on Christmas Eve
A new holiday mobile app was released that lets children track Santa on his famous gift giving spree around the world.
NORAD Tracks Santa is available for Windows 8 devices and follows similar apps on other mobile platforms that track the big man's big night.
So what makes this app so special?
It was developed by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), the organization responsible for tracking aerial threats to the United States. That does not mean NORAD sees the jolly old Christmas figure as a threat.
"All of the preparations for Santa's journey are in place!" reads a statement on the NORAD Tracks Santa website. "Santa's elves have been busier than usual this year preparing for Santa's launch on December 24th! Return each day to receive updates from the North Pole and to discover new surprises on Santa's Activity Page."
The Colorado-based organization has tracked Santa's annual journey for 57-years.
"Every December 24th since 1955 we have been telling children exactly where Santa is so that children all over the world can make sure that they're in bed on time so that Santa will deliver their presents," explained Stacey Knott, a deputy chief at NORAD, according to Reuters.
The app also shows Santa stopping by famous landmarks like the Great Wall of China and the Eiffel Tower. Kids can also play games and watch videos related to Santa's world-wide annual trip.
Children can also call 1-877-HI-NORAD or email noradtrackssanta@outlook.com on Christmas Eve to receive Santa's up-to-date location during the night. In 2011, over 102,000 phone calls and 7,700 emails came in to NORAD which prompted the organization to develop the app.
NORAD is a bi-national organization between the U.S. and Canada is responsible for aerospace warning by tracking missiles, aircraft and space vehicles that could potentially harm North America.
