In New York City's Times Square New Year's Eve celebration, what object descends at midnight?

The Times Square Ball descends at midnight during New York City's famous New Year's Eve celebration. The illuminated ball travels down a pole atop One Times Square, marking the final seconds of the old year and the beginning of the new one.

The tradition began in 1907, when the first ball was lowered to replace fireworks that New York City had prohibited in Times Square. Early versions were made from iron and wood and illuminated with electric bulbs. Today's ball is a much larger, crystal-covered structure with programmable LED lighting.

A common mix-up is calling it the “New Year's Eve ball” without identifying its location. Several cities use countdown balls or illuminated objects, but the Times Square Ball is the internationally recognized New York symbol. The descent lasts about one minute and ends at midnight on January 1.