A hyperon is a type of subatomic particle that belongs to the family of baryons, which are particles made up of three quarks. Unlike protons and neutrons, hyperons contain at least one strange quark, giving them unique properties. They are heavier than nucleons and are typically found in high-energy environments, such as in cosmic rays or within neutron stars. Hyperons play a significant role in understanding the strong nuclear force and the behavior of matter under extreme conditions. Their study helps physicists explore the fundamental interactions of particles and contributes to the broader field of particle physics, which includes related topics like quarks and the Standard Model.