The Cosmic Staff (a.k.a. Cosmic Rod) is a device that was invented by the original Starman, Ted Knight. It was based on the Gravity Rod, and so it also could "harness the power of the stars and convert it into energy that enables the wielder to defy the laws of gravity".

That was not all. It offered even more powers, like "rapid flight, levitation of objects, manipulation of energy, creation of defensive force fields, offensive energy blasts of incredible power" and it could receive mental commands from the one who wields it.

Later Sylvester Pemberton (a.k.a. The Star-Spangled Kid) took over the role of Starman and Pat Dugan (a.k.a. Stripesy, S.T.R.I.P.E.) became his sidekick.

Ten years after Sylvester died in the final battle between the JSA and the ISA, Courtney Whitmore found the Cosmic Staff in one of Pat's moving boxes. It attuned itself to her and she became Stargirl.

At first Courtney had difficulty using it, but she trained hard every day, usually secretly at night as she didn't want anyone seeing her fly around with the Cosmic Staff. Fortunately she already had experience in gymnastics and martial arts at a competitive level, and she had participated in several tournaments in the past. The Cosmic Staff enhanced these talents and protected her whenever necessary.

There is something quirky about the Cosmic Staff. It does seem to have a 'mind of its own'.

Learning how to handle the Cosmic Staff for the first time:

• Scenes from S1E01

See also:

• CW Stargirl