What object has been lowered at midnight in New York City's Times Square since 1907?

The object lowered at midnight in New York City's Times Square since 1907 is the Times Square Ball.

The tradition began on December 31, 1907, when the first ball descended from the flagpole atop One Times Square. The event was created to mark the arrival of 1908 and replaced an earlier fireworks display used by The New York Times to celebrate its new headquarters.

The ball has changed substantially over time. The original was made of iron and wood and lit with 100 light bulbs. Modern versions use illuminated Waterford crystal panels and computer-controlled lighting. The ball is lowered over the final 60 seconds before midnight, watched by crowds in Times Square and television audiences worldwide.

A common mix-up is the idea that the ball has always looked the same. Its size, materials, lighting, and location on the building have all changed, although the countdown ritual has remained recognizable.