Philips Lighting Times Square Ball Trivia

New Year’s Eve in Times Square has become a worldwide phenomenon with hundreds of thousands of people gathering in Times Square and happily waiting in the cold for hours for the famed street party and legendary Ball-lowering ceremony.

On December 17th the 7 feet tall numerals were unveiled and marked the 14th consecutive year that Philips will be lighting what is arguably the most famous globe in the world. For the first time this year, the “1″ and “4″ will be illuminated in ever-changing colors using 207 of the revolutionary and programmable hue bulbs from Philips.

Maybe you’ve been there in person on New Year’s Eve for the most celebrated countdown or perhaps like billions of others all over the world, you have seen it happen on television. Honestly though how much do you really know about this event?

Here is a little Times Square Ball trivia: 10 fun questions to brighten your New Year’s Eve

1) What year did the first New Year’s Eve festivities in Times Square take place?

A) 1885

B) 1900

C) 1904

D) 1915

The first ever celebration of New Year’s Eve in Times Square took place 109 years ago on Dec 31 1904. The party was organized to commemorate the official opening of the new headquarters of the New York Times. The area known back then as Longacre Square was renamed Times Square in honor of the famous publication.

2) When did the first Times Square Ball drop happen?

A) 1900

B) 1907

C) 1924

D) 1950

“The first Times Square Ball was lowered from the tower flagpole precisely at midnight on December 31 1907, to signal the end of 1907 and the beginning of 1908.”

3) How many people attended the first ever Times Square Ball Ceremony?

A) 50,000 people

B) 200,000 people

C) 500,000 people

D) 1 million people

Considered a big success, “the joyful sound of cheering, rattles and noisemakers from the over 200,000 attendees could be heard thirty miles north along the Hudson River.”

4) How much did the first Times Square Ball weigh?

A) 100 pounds

B) 300 pounds

C) 500 pounds

D) 700 pounds

The first Ball made of iron and wood, weighed 700 pounds.

5) How many lights were installed in the first Times Square Ball?

A) 100 lights

B) 250 lights

C) 500 lights

D) 1000 lights

If you said A you are right. In 1907 the first Time Square Ball was covered with 100 light bulbs.

“In 1920, a 400 pound iron Ball replaced the iron and wood Ball.

In 1955, a 150 pound aluminum Ball with 180 light bulbs replaced the iron Ball.

In 1995, the aluminum Ball was upgraded with aluminum skin, rhinestones, and computer controls.

In 1999, the crystal New Year’s Eve Ball was created and lit by Philips to welcome the new millennium.”

6) What year did LED technology replace the light bulbs in the Times Square Ball?

A) 2007

B) 2009

C) 2011

D) 2012

“To mark the 100th Anniversary of the New Year’s Eve Ball in 2007, modern LED technology replaced the light bulbs of the past. In 2008, the permanent Big Ball was unveiled atop One Times Square where it sparkles above Times Square throughout the year.”

7) How much will the 2014 TS Ball weigh?

A) 99 pounds

B) Over 5,000 pounds

C) Over 11,000 pounds

D) Almost 17,000 pounds

“The Ball is a geodesic sphere, 12 feet in diameter, and weighs 11,875 pounds. For Times Square 2014, all 2,688 of the Waterford Crystal triangles introduce the new design Gift of Imagination – featuring a series of intricate wedge cuts that appear to be endless mirrored reflections of each other inspiring our imagination with a kaleidoscope of colorful patterns on the Ball.”

8 ) How many LED modules are attached to the aluminum frame of the Ball?

A) 333 LED modules

B) 528 LED modules

C) 672 LED modules

D) 980 LED modules

The 2,688 Waterford Crystal triangles are bolted to 672 LED modules which are attached to the aluminum frame of the Ball.

9) How many LEDs are required to illuminate this year’s Times Square Ball?

A) Over 11,000 LEDs

B) Over 24,000 LEDs

C) Over 32,000 LEDs

D) Over 53,000 LEDs

“The Ball is illuminated by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs (light emitting diodes). Each LED module contains 48 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs – 12 red, 12 blue, 12 green, and 12 white for a total of 8,064 of each color.”'

10) The Ball can create how many vibrant colors?

A) 2 million

B) 7 million

C) 10 million

D) 16 million

“In order to produce a spectacular kaleidoscope effect atop One Times Square, the Ball is capable of creating a palette of more than 16 million vibrant colors and billions of patterns.”

Congratulations! You are now an expert on the New Year’s Eve Times Square Ball Ceremony. Come December 31st share your knowledge and shine on.

Wishing you all the best for 2014. Have fun and be safe!

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