Polonium is a rare and highly radioactive element found in the periodic table with the symbol Po and atomic number 84. Discovered in 1940 by scientists Marie Curie and Pierre Curie, it is named after Poland, the homeland of Marie Curie. Polonium occurs naturally in trace amounts in uranium ores and is known for its intense radioactivity, which makes it dangerous to handle without proper precautions. Due to its radioactivity, polonium has limited practical applications. It is sometimes used in small amounts as a heat source in space equipment and as an anti-static agent in certain industrial processes. However, its toxicity and potential health risks mean that it is primarily of interest in scientific research and safety studies.