Ever since 1907, New York City has dropped a version of of the New Years Ball on One Time Square. Originally, the ball tied the maritime tradition of lighthouses with the new invention of electricity to show the latest technology to the world….
Fast forward to December 31, 2010. This years New Years Eve Ball is nearly six tons 11,875 pounds to be exact and 12 feet in diameter. It is the largest crystal ball in existence with 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles covering the ball and uses 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs as an environmentally-friendly and cost effective way to light the Manhattan skyline.
Via The Technological History Behind The NYE Ball – Techland – TIME.com.