A "buckyball" is a spherical molecule made up of 60 carbon atoms, arranged in a structure similar to a soccer ball. Officially known as C60, it belongs to a class of molecules called fullerenes, which are known for their unique geometric shapes. Buckyballs were discovered in 1985 by scientists Robert Curl, Richard Smalley, and Harold Kroto, who later received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work. Buckyballs have interesting properties, including high stability and the ability to conduct electricity. They are being researched for various applications, such as in materials science, nanotechnology, and medicine. Their unique structure allows them to encapsulate other molecules, making them useful for drug delivery systems and other innovative technologies.