The 6+2 spikes around the bright stars is a diffraction pattern created by the edges of the hexagonal mirror segments (the six large spikes) and the three strut

The 6+2 spikes around the bright stars is a diffraction pattern created by the edges of the hexagonal mirror segments (the six large spikes) and the three struts that hold the secondary mirror (also six spikes, but four overlap with the mirror spikes). https://smd-cms.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/webb-diffractionspikesinfographic-stsci-01g6933bg2jkatwe1mgt1tcpj9-1500w.png https://smd-cms.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/webb-dif...