New York City ushered in 2023 with a dazzling Saturday night spectacle in iconic Times Square, kicking off New Year’s celebrations across the United States.
The night culminated with a countdown as a glowing geodesic sphere or the iconic Ball Drop weighing almost six tons descended from its lofty perch atop One Times Square.
Its surface is comprised of nearly 2,700 Waterford crystals that were illuminated, officials said, by a palette of more than 16 million colors.
At the stroke of midnight, a ton of confetti rained down on revelers, glittering amid the jumbo screens, neon and pulsing lights.
New Year’s Eve Ball Design
The Ball is a geodesic sphere, 12 feet in diameter, and weighs 11,875 pounds.
The Ball is covered with a total of 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles that vary in size,
and range in length from 4 ¾ inches to 5 ¾ inches per side.
For Times Square 2023, 192 Waterford Crystal triangles introduce the new Gift of
Love design represented by a circle of overlapping hearts entwined together.
192 are the Gift of Wisdom design of a central wheel with wedge cut petals of
knowledge growing ever forward.
- 192 are the Gift of Happiness design of a sunburst of bright cuts radiating outward like a beautiul sunny day brings warm smiles and happiness. 192 are the Gift of Goodwill design of three pineapples signifying the traditional symbol of hospitality and goodwill. 192 are the Gift of Harmony design of small rosette cuts flowing into each other in beautiful
harmony. - 192 are the Gift of Serenity design of butterflies flying peacefully above a crystal meadow capturing the spirit of serenity. 192 are the Gift of Kindness design of a circle of rosettes symbolizing unity with the fronds reaching out in an expression of kindness.
- 192 are the Gift Of Wonder design of a faceted starburst inspiring our sense of wonder. 192 are the Gift of Fortitude design of diamond cuts on either side of a crystal pillar to represent the inner attributes of resolve, courage and spirit necessary to triumph over adversity.
The remaining 960 Gift of Imagination triangles are a series of intricate wedge cuts that are mirrored reflections of each other inspiring our imagination.
The 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles are bolted to 672 LED modules which are
attached to the aluminum frame of the Ball.
The Ball is illuminated by 32,256 LEDs (light emitting diodes). Each LED module
contains 48 LEDs – 12 red, 12 blue, 12 green, and 12 white for a total of 8,064 of
each color.
The Ball is capable of displaying a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors
and billions of patterns that creates a spectacular kaleidoscope effect atop One
Times Square.
