When exploring other planets with space telescopes there’s often too much light in the way. So how do you block light from other stars?

NASA and JPL are developing giant shades to fly in formation with telescopes, giving them a clearer view at distant exoplanets. The designs all have in common that they are based on origami folding techniques. The starshades would be launched in a folded state and only fully deployed once they’re in space. That way they can reach tens of meters in diameter but still be small enough to fit into a rocket.