Uranium-233 is a radioactive isotope of uranium that is produced from the neutron bombardment of Thorium-232. It is significant in nuclear science because it can be used as fuel in nuclear reactors and for the production of nuclear weapons. Uranium-233 has a half-life of about 159,200 years, which means it remains radioactive for a long time. Its ability to sustain a nuclear chain reaction makes it valuable for both energy generation and research in nuclear technology.