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24 December 2009
Santa Nav: track Father Christmas online
Gone are the days when children would look out the window to catch a glimpse of Father Christmas. These days, all they have to do is log on to a Santa tracking site, put online courtesy of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (Norad). Or follow his progress on Twitter.
But why does Norad provide these vital services?
The answer takes us back to 1955, when a Colorado newspaper misprinted an advert for a Santa hotline. Rather than getting to hear a lot of ho ho ho's, children who called the number were put through to to Continental Defense Command – a predecessor of Norad.
Taking the mistaken calls in the spirit they were intended, staff told children about Santa's whereabouts – and volunteers have carried on the service to this day.
But how do they do it?
It's simplicity itself. Radar and satellites pick up infra red signals from Rudolf the reindeer's nose. Better still, they broadcast images of St Nick passing landmarks like the Houses of Parliament - all thanks to strategically-placed 'Santa Cams'.
It's great to see technology bring tradition into the modern age, and if Santa wants an eCommerce site that lets kids submit their present lists online, then he should drop us a line.
Wishing you a very happy Christmas, from all at Coast Digital
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