A buckminsterfullerene is a soccer-ball shaped molecule made entirely of 60 carbon atoms. Also known as a buckyball, it gets its name because its hollow, cage-like structure closely resembles the geodesic domes designed by architect Buckminster Fuller.Here are the key points to know:The Basics: It is a form of pure carbon (chemical formula C₆₀) made up of 20 hexagons and 12 pentagons. It is one of the three main forms of carbon, along with diamond and graphite.Discovery: Discovered in 1985, scientists named it after Richard Buckminster Fuller due to its geodesic shape.Natural Occurrence: Small amounts of buckyballs naturally occur in soot, and can even be found in deep space.Potential Uses: Because buckyballs are hollow and extremely durable, scientists are researching them to build super-strong materials, store energy, and safely deliver medicine inside the human body.Would you like to know more about how buckyballs are made in a lab, or are you interested in how they compare to diamonds and graphite?