Helium is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is the second lightest element in the universe. It is primarily produced through the nuclear fusion of hydrogen in stars, including our own Sun. Helium is known for its low density and is commonly used in balloons, providing them with buoyancy due to its lighter-than-air properties.
In addition to its use in party balloons, helium has important applications in various fields. It is utilized in cryogenics, particularly in cooling superconducting magnets, and in MRI machines. Helium also plays a role in scientific research and is essential for certain types of lasers and fiber optics.