Which New Year’s Eve object is lowered in New York’s Times Square each year?

The Times Square Ball is lowered in New York’s Times Square each New Year’s Eve.

The present tradition uses a brightly illuminated geodesic sphere that descends a pole atop One Times Square during the final minute before midnight. Millions of viewers watch the event in person, on television or online. The ball reaches the bottom at midnight, marking the start of the new year.

The first ball in the Times Square celebration was lowered in 1907, replacing fireworks used to signal the new year. The design has changed repeatedly, becoming larger, brighter and more elaborate as lighting technology developed. The modern ball is covered with Waterford crystal panels and uses energy-efficient lighting.

The ball is often casually called the “ball drop,” but the object itself is the Times Square Ball. It should not be confused with a disco ball, which has a different design and purpose.