What object has been lowered in Times Square at midnight on New Year's Eve since 1907?

The Times Square Ball is the object lowered in Times Square at midnight on New Year's Eve.

The first ball drop took place on December 31, 1907, welcoming 1908. The tradition was created by newspaper publisher Adolph Ochs for the New Year's Eve celebration at the headquarters of The New York Times. Earlier celebrations there had used fireworks, but city officials stopped allowing them because of fire risk.

The ball has changed substantially over time. The original was made of iron and wood and illuminated with 100 light bulbs. Modern versions use Waterford crystal triangles and computer-controlled LED lighting. The descent lasts 60 seconds and ends at midnight, when the new year begins in the Eastern Time Zone. The event is often confused with the wider Times Square celebration, which includes musical performances, confetti and crowds, but the ball itself is the central timekeeping symbol.