The common name for the chemical element with the symbol He is helium. Helium is a lightweight, colorless, odorless, and inert gas that is the second most abundant element in the universe, primarily found in stars. Discovered in 1868 during a solar eclipse, helium was first identified through its spectral lines. On Earth, it's primarily obtained from natural gas reserves and is widely known for its use in balloons, blimps, and as a cooling medium in cryogenics. Helium is unique for its non-flammable properties, making it a safer alternative to hydrogen in various applications.