In the past, the New Year’s Eve ball’s triangular crystal panels were studded with incandescent bulbs. They produce light when a metal wire heats up. Colored bulbs lit the ball from within.
Today’s version was designed in 2007. Its crystal panels are lit up by light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. These bulbs don’t need to heat up to create light, so they use less electricity. Patterns cut into the crystals refract, or bend, light. Mirrors intensify the glittering effect.
“Every year at around 11:55, I feel that twinge of nervous excitement,” says principal designer Christine Hope. She’s not alone! Do you get excited for the new year?