Bk-249 is a synthetic element that belongs to the actinide series on the periodic table. It was first discovered in 1949 by a team of scientists at the University of California, Berkeley. Bk-249 is produced by bombarding californium-249 with neutrons, resulting in a radioactive isotope with a half-life of about 330 days. As a member of the actinides, Bk-249 is primarily used for research purposes, particularly in the fields of nuclear chemistry and physics. Its properties and behavior help scientists understand the characteristics of heavier elements and contribute to advancements in nuclear science.