According to the U.S. Department of Commerce Census Bureau, the world’s population is about 7 billion (6,979,978,073+) people. That’s a lot for Santa Claus to keep up with every year.

Of course, where Santa is heading is of high interest for the 523,643 people in Kane County and ESPECIALLY for the 36,000 or so Kane County kids age 5 or under. Thanks to the U.S. Census Bureau for those numbers.

And thanks to NORAD, children in Kane County can track Santa’s progress on Christmas Eve 2014.

Each year, the United States Northern Command at Peterson Air Force Base, CO, uses sophisticated technology to support the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) in its efforts to keep track of the jolly old elf.

Artist’s concept of GOES-15 in orbit being used to help track Santa. Image Credit: NASA/Honeywell Tech Solutions, C. Meaney

“NORAD is a joint United States and Canadian organization which provides aerospace warning and control. The United States Air Force uses ground based radars, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration operational satellites provided by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, as well as Santa Cams, Google maps, and jet fighter aircraft,” the NASA website says.

Global Positioning System satellite information and carefully timed gravity assists from the sun, moon, and/or Earth are used to speed Santa’s sleigh faster and more precisely than ever before.

Multi-variable numerical modeling improvements in the solar wind, auroras, geomagnetic force fields, and space/Earth weather predictions are also being credited for important improved sleigh routing efficiencies.

Rudolph (the red-nosed lead reindeer) provides a great infrared (warm) signature for the satellite instruments to focus on. The satellite data indicates where fog is and Rudolph can take over the reins from Santa as they use microwave data to know where the rain, snow, and ice are for those precise landing adjustments.

From 22,300 miles in space, NORAD will use the GOES-15 (covers the U.S. west coast and Pacific Ocean areas) significantly improved Earth location accuracy and heat detection infrared equipment from various satellites.

“Rudolph’s nose gives off an infrared signature similar to a small missile launch and satellites can detect Rudolph’s bright red nose very precisely,” NASA says.

To track Santa using NORAD, visit: http://www.noradsanta.org

SOURCE: NASA