# ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Common questions about Nibiru and their answers.
FAQ Sections:
# FAQ: General
# What is Nibiru?
Nibiru Chain: The breakthrough smart contract platform ushering in the next era of money. Nibiru is a sovereign proof-of-stake blockchain and distributed network powering an ecosystem of dapps including DeFi, RWAs, and more. Nibiru is designed to champion simplicity as a consolidated Web3 hub, including easy-to-use APIs, language SDKs, and a "Super App".
# Why is the protocol called Nibiru?
Nibiru associates closely with transition and diruption of an existing system.
- Nibiru (Babylonian astronomy) (opens new window): Nibiru translates to “crossing” or “point of transition”.
- Nibiru Cataclysm (opens new window): “... the name ‘Nibiru’ is derived from the works of the ‘ancient astronaut’ writer Zecharia Sitchin and has interpretations Babylonian and Sumerian mythology...“
# How can I get involved?
- Join the Nibiru Builder Community on Telegram (opens new window)
- Try out the web application: app.nibiru.fi (opens new window)
- Run a full node on testnet (guide).
# FAQ: NIBI Token
# What is NIBI token used for?
The security of the Nibiru blockchain relies on a set of validators to commit new blocks and participate in Tendermint BFT consensus by broadcasting votes that contain cryptographic signatures signed by each validator's private key. Validators stake NIBI, the protocol's native token used for gas, governance, and "mining". Users can delegate NIBI to validators that record and verify transactions in exchange for rewards.
# Where can I buy NIBI?
As of 2024-01-21, the only place to purchase NIBI is upcoming Community Sale managed on CoinList (opens new window).
# What is the release schedule of NIBI?
The token release schedule is described in the Tokenomics page.
# Where can I go to get other questions answered?
The best places to get questions answered quickly are the Nibiru Discord (opens new window) and Nibiru Chain Telegram Community (opens new window). For suggestions, issues, and feature requests on specific applications, the team is also responsive on GitHub (opens new window)
# FAQ: Validators
# What is a validator?
Validators are responsible for committing new blocks and participating in consensus by broadcasting votes that contain cryptographic signatures signed by each validator's private key.
# What does it mean to stake or delegate?
Validators stake NIBI Users can stake without being a validator by delegating NIBI Commission Staking rewards
# How can I become a validator?
There are instructions on how to set up various kinds of nodes in the validator docs. Reach out to the team on Discord (opens new window) if you need assistance.