The Times Square Ball used for New Year's Eve in New York is covered with 2,688 illuminated triangular panels.
The current ball is a geodesic sphere measuring 12 feet, or about 3.7 meters, in diameter. Its panels are made from Waterford Crystal and are arranged to create a brilliant surface visible across Times Square during the televised countdown.
The ball's design has changed several times since the first descent in 1907. Earlier versions used iron, wood, aluminum, and incandescent bulbs; later versions introduced computer-controlled lighting and crystal panels. The ball is lowered from One Times Square during the final minute of December 31.
The panel count is sometimes confused with other figures connected to the ball, including its weight, diameter, and number of lights. The exact specifications have also been updated during redesigns, so a question about the current illuminated ball requires distinguishing the panels from the lighting system and structure.