Time balls date back to the early 19th century, when they signaled the time to passing sailors. Now they’re part of the pomp and circumstance of the new year

The ritual of watching a dazzling ball descend from a pole in Times Square has taken place since the early 20th century, when electricity use was so new it seemed like magic.

New York’s ball-drop celebration is more than a century old. One important fact about this year: You are likely to get wet.