What crystal-covered object is lowered in New York City's Times Square at midnight on New Year's Eve?
Answer
The Times Square Ball
The crystal-covered object lowered in New York City's Times Square at midnight on New Year's Eve is the Times Square Ball.
The tradition began on December 31, 1907, when the first ball was lowered from the flagpole atop One Times Square. The event was created by Adolph Ochs, publisher of The New York Times, to mark the newspaper's new headquarters and provide a spectacular New Year's celebration.
The ball has changed substantially over time. The current version is a geodesic sphere covered with Waterford Crystal panels and illuminated by thousands of LED lights. It remains stationary for most of the year and is raised into position for the annual celebration. The ball-drop broadcast is watched by large audiences worldwide, although many cities now stage their own countdown events.