Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Lady Gaga rang in 2012 with the ceremonial Times Square ball drop. The count down was watched first hand by an estimated million New Yorkers and tourists and has become an iconic ushering in of the new year since 1907.
With a record crowd of revelers bidding farewell to 2011, Lady G kissed Bloomberg.
The geodesic sphere is 12 feet in diameter and weights 11,875 pounds. According to the Lighting Science Group Design Works who did the most recent makeover in 2008, “it is the length of an SUV and the weight of four compact cars.”
This year’s ball had 32,256 LEDs, three times more than last year. A total of 2,688 Waterford crystal triangles carried themes of joy, love and friendship.
Here’s wishing you a Happy New Year and a prosperous 2012!
Check out the 2012 ball drop video after the jump:
Photo: PNP-WENN