As millions of children eagerly await Santa’s arrival this evening, those who just want to know where Saint Nicholas is will be able to follow his journey throughout the day. While the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) is typically responsible for detecting threats, today this highly sophisticated unit tracks Santa’s route and provides real-time updates.

If you would like to follow Santa’s journey, you can do so via the NORAD Santa Tracking Map, or via the “NORAD tracks Santa” application available in the Apple and Google Play stores. You can also call NORAD directly at 1-877-HI-NORAD (1-877-446-6723).

Even as NORAD continues its daily mission to keep people safe, the agency says tracking Santa is also important.

“On December 24, we have the very special mission to also track Santa using the same systems we use every day: satellite systems, high-powered radars and fighter jets. For more than 65 years, NORAD and its predecessor, the Continental Air Defense Command (CONAD), have tracked Santa’s flight around the world,” reads part of the NORAD Tracks Santa website.

The tradition of tracking down Santa Claus began in 1955 when a child accidentally called the CONAD operations center after seeing a newspaper ad telling children they could call a phone number to speak to Santa Claus . The child dialed the wrong number and contacted Director of Operations Col. Harry Shoup, who quickly ordered his staff to check the radar to see if they could pinpoint Santa’s location.

After locating the sleigh, a tradition was born and the agency has been informing children around the world of Saint Nick’s location ever since.

Shortly before 10:55 a.m. EST, Santa was last found in Thailand, having previously visited Australia, China and other Asian countries. So far, it is estimated that Santa has delivered 1.7 billion gifts.