What crystal-covered sphere descends in New York City's Times Square at midnight on New Year's Eve?
Answer
The Times Square Ball
The crystal-covered sphere that descends in New York City's Times Square at midnight on New Year's Eve is the Times Square Ball.
The tradition began in 1907, when a lighted ball was lowered from the flagpole atop One Times Square. It replaced fireworks, which city officials had banned because of fire concerns. The first ball was made of iron and wood, measured about 5 feet (1.5 meters) across, and was illuminated by 100 light bulbs.
Modern versions are much more elaborate. The current ball is covered with Waterford crystal panels and is illuminated by thousands of LEDs. It is lowered during the final minute of December 31, reaching the bottom exactly at midnight in the Eastern Time Zone. The ball drop is often confused with the separate midnight celebrations held elsewhere in New York City, but the iconic event takes place in Times Square.