The large illuminated object used in New York City's Times Square New Year's Eve celebration is called the Times Square Ball.
The ball descends a pole at One Times Square during the final minute before midnight. The official name distinguishes the object from the broader ball-drop ceremony and from the building itself. The first ball appeared in 1907, but its design has been repeatedly updated.
The present version is a geodesic sphere covered by Waterford Crystal triangles and powered by LED lighting. It is 12 feet in diameter and weighs almost six tons. Its panels and lighting systems allow changing colors and patterns during the ceremony.
The ball is displayed at One Times Square for much of the year, but it is raised into position for the New Year's Eve event. The phrase “ball drop” can cause confusion because the object does not fall freely; it is carefully lowered along a controlled mast.