New years eve ball

The iconic New Year's Eve ball!

The Times Square New Year's Eve Ball is a tradition that dates back to 1907, when it was first created by Adolph Ochs, the owner of The New York Times. The ball is a symbol of the start of a new year and is celebrated annually in Times Square, New York City.

Here are some interesting facts about the New Year's Eve ball:

  1. Size: The ball is approximately 12 feet in diameter and weighs around 11,875 pounds.
  2. Materials: The ball is made of Waterford Crystal and is covered in 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles, which are lit up by 32,256 LED lights.
  3. Design: The ball is designed to resemble a giant geodesic sphere, with a series of triangular panels that are connected to form the sphere's surface.
  4. Lighting: The ball is lit up by a combination of LED lights and Waterford Crystal, which creates a dazzling display of color and light.
  5. Drop: The ball drops 77 feet from the top of One Times Square to the bottom, taking about 60 seconds to complete its descent.
  6. History: The first ball drop took place on December 31, 1907, and has been a tradition ever since, except for a few years during World War II when it was cancelled due to wartime restrictions.
  7. Celebrity appearances: Over the years, many celebrities have appeared on stage to help count down to midnight, including Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, and Justin Timberlake.
  8. Attendance: The event attracts millions of people from around the world, with over 1 million people attending the event in person each year.
  9. TV broadcast: The event is broadcast live on television, with over 1 billion people worldwide tuning in to watch the ball drop.
  10. Tradition: The ball drop has become a beloved tradition, symbolizing the start of a new year and a fresh beginning.

The New Year's Eve ball is an iconic symbol of the start of a new year, and its tradition continues to captivate people around the world.