Diffraction Spikes: When Stars Look Like Crosses . ... WFPC2 , HST , NASA Explanation: Unusual appendages around bright stars are commonplace, but never seem to be mentioned. ... First, a telescope brings starlight falling over a large area to a small area . ... Light scatters away from the original destination point ending up elsewhere and appearing as " diffraction spikes ." These annoying spikes steal precious light from the central image and hide light from fainter, more interesting stars. ...