Helium is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is the second lightest element in the universe, following hydrogen. It is a noble gas, meaning it is non-reactive and does not easily form compounds with other elements. Helium is commonly found in natural gas deposits and is produced through the nuclear fusion processes in stars. One of the most well-known uses of helium is in balloons, where it provides lift due to its low density compared to air. Additionally, helium is used in various applications, including cryogenics, medical imaging, and as a cooling agent for superconducting magnets.