Starshades are large, specially designed structures used in astronomy to block the light from stars. This allows telescopes to observe faint objects, such as exoplanets, that are otherwise lost in the brightness of their parent stars. By reducing the glare, starshades help scientists gather clearer images and data about distant celestial bodies. These devices are typically deployed in space, positioned between a telescope and the star being observed. The design often resembles a flower or a disk, with precise shapes that create a shadow, effectively shielding the telescope. Starshades are crucial for missions like the James Webb Space Telescope and future explorations of exoplanets.