What is the name of the illuminated ball dropped in New York City's Times Square?

The illuminated ball dropped in New York City's Times Square is called the Times Square Ball.

The object is a time ball: its descent marks the final minute before midnight on December 31. The first Times Square ball was lowered in 1907, and the tradition continued through several different designs and materials.

The modern ball is covered with illuminated crystal panels, including Waterford crystal designs. Its appearance has changed for major anniversaries and themed years, and newer versions are considerably larger and heavier than the original.

The Times Square Ball is sometimes casually called the New Year's ball, but “Times Square Ball” is the established name of the New York City object. It is lowered from One Times Square, the building historically associated with The New York Times and the original celebration.