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Want to track Santa's progress today? Here's how

We have the technology!

YOU MAY HAVE noticed already, but it’s Christmas Eve today which means only one thing.

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Although there’s still a little bit of waiting to be done before he arrives. Thankfully, it’s now easier than ever to track Santa’s progress before he eventually arrives here. While there are a few ways to do this, here are the two most popular methods to stay updated.

NORAD Santa Tracker

The US and Canadian military body has been tracking Santa for the good part of 50 years – since 1955 to be exact – after a department store, advertising a number to ring Santa on, accidentally put down the number of Colorado Springs’ Continental Air Defense Command Center.

Having spent so long tracking Santa, it has built up a comprehensive database. On the day, its system will alert you to his location and it has built up a large collection of stats and facts about his work and equipment.

There are also specialised apps on iOS, Android and Windows Phone keeping you up to date should you be on the move.

NORADTracksSanta / YouTube

Google Santa Tracker

Considering it’s one of the biggest companies in the world, it’s probably no surprise that Google has also developed its own system for tracking Santa. Using Google Maps and their data on sleigh engineering (along with a little help from Santa’s own elves), it’s one of the more colourful way to track him.

Google offers only an Android app and a Chrome extension, but it makes up for it by having a large collection of games to play on desktop. Also, it’s claimed that it had worked on improving “the sleigh tracking algorithm” so it’s as accurate as possible today.

Google Maps / YouTube

Whatever you do to pass the time, remember that you only have to wait a little while longer before he arrives, but when he does…

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Read: These messaging apps will help you wish someone a Merry Christmas* >

Read: No loose change? Simon Community accepting donations using contactless payments >

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9 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute mick h
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    Dec 24th 2014, 11:20 AM

    Don’t forget the ISS is flying over Ireland around 5.20pm today.

    62
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    Mute Paul Nolan
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    Dec 24th 2014, 11:22 AM

    Not to be confused with them ISIS lads who aren’t nearly as friendly

    145
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Robbie Curran
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    Dec 24th 2014, 12:09 PM

    Love it

    13
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    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paddy Hannigan
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    Dec 24th 2014, 3:37 PM

    Its passing over again at 7:30ish I believe.Its going to be a clear night over most of the country aswell.

    2
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    Mute Bob Moloney
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    Dec 24th 2014, 3:50 PM

    Just passed over now .
    Incredible the speed of it

    3
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    Mute Sandra Claus
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    Dec 24th 2014, 4:26 PM

    5:21 for 4 minutes and 6:57 for 2 minutes

    2
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    Mute pilcandy
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    Dec 24th 2014, 11:35 AM

    Feliz Navidad to everyone!!

    18
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    Mute Martin Hayes
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    Dec 24th 2014, 12:16 PM

    “NORAD have been tracking Santa for a good part of fifty years, since 1955 exactly”
    Really, Journal? I think somebody needs a new abacus for Christmas, or maybe an almanac.

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ron
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    Dec 24th 2014, 1:37 PM

    Wonder what gps was like in 1955 also.

    4
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