Keeping up with the Clauses

Valley Life editor

As technology expands, it is getting harder and harder for Santa Claus to hide.

This Christmas Eve, for the 50th year in a row, the folks at NORAD will use satellites in geo-synchronous orbit and a jet fighter to track Santa Claus, and his movements can be found at the Web site www.noradsanta.org.

Normally, NORAD is a bi-national effort between the U.S. and Canadian militaries, responsible for aerospace defense of both countries.

NORAD provides warning of missile and air attacks against both countries, using 47 installations in an extensive radar system.

Because of all that technology tracking movements in the air during the year, NORAD has the ability to monitor the movements of Santa during his exploits on Christmas Eve.

"NORAD uses four high-tech systems to track Santa -- radar, satellites, Santa Cams and jet fighter aircraft," the Web site states.

Starting early on Dec. 24, NORAD officials watch closely to see of any activity at the North Pole. As soon as Santa has lifted off, "we begin to use the satellites that we use in providing warning of possible missile launches aimed at North America," the site states.

The idea to track Santa began 50 years ago, through a typographical error. A Colorado Springs, Colo., store advertised a phone number for children to call Santa Claus, but instead of publishing the right number, the personal hotline for the Continental Air Defense Command (the NORAD predecessor) commander in chief was published.

After receiving his first call on Christmas Eve, Col. Harry Shoup had his staff check for movement, starting a tradition that has stood the test of time -- and technology.

In 1998, the entire operation was put on the Internet, so people could use their computers to track Santa Claus.

The entire secret to tracking Santa Claus lies at the front of his team -- Rudolph.

"When a rocket or missile is launched, a tremendous amount of heat is produced -- enough for the satellites to see them. Rudolph's nose gives off an infrared signature similar to a missile launch," the Web site states. "The satellites can detect Rudolph's bright red nose with practically no problem.

"With so many years of experience, NORAD has become good at tracking aircraft entering North American, detecting worldwide missile launches and tracking the progress of Santa, all thanks to Rudolph."

At the NORAD Web site, people can not only track Santa Claus, but also view special messages from celebrities, view pictures of Santa throughout the years and view other special Christmas-related Web sites.

Come Dec. 26, however, NORAD goes back to making sure the aerospace safety of Canada and North America is the best in the world.