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The author of Skulls in the Stars is a professor of physics, specializing in optical science, at UNC Charlotte. The blog covers topics in physics and optics, the history of science, classic pulp fantasy and horror fiction, and the surprising intersections between these areas. -
Author Archives: skullsinthestars
On Whetsday, by Mark Sumner
Book 2 for my 2026 goal of 36 books for the year! As is now default for me, my link to the book is through my bookshop dot org affiliate account. One joy of being active on social media — in the midst … Continue reading
Posted in Science fiction
Tagged book review, book-reviews, books, Fiction, science fiction
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What is an optical caustic?
Here’s another post based on the revisions I’m making for the second edition of my Singular Optics textbook! Caustics are a subject that I’ve sort of casually understood for ages but never well enough to explain it, but book work … Continue reading
Our new paper on invisibility physics!
So I’ve written a lot about the physics of invisibility on this blog and have even written a popular science book on the subject, but many people may not know that I also still occasionally do some research on invisibility … Continue reading
I am a 2026-2027 Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer!
Just wanted to drop a little personal news and add it to my record of stuff: I was chosen to be a Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer for 2026-2027! I had applied early last year and though I was chosen I … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Personal
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Twelve Nights at Rotter House, by J.W. Ocker
Book 1 for my 2026 goal of 36 books for the year! As is now default for me, my link to the book is through my bookshop dot org affiliate account. I seem to be on a bit of a haunted house kick … Continue reading
A Haunting on the Hill, by Elizabeth Hand
Book 31 for my 2025 goal of 30 books for the year — I managed to squeeze one more in before the new year! My goal for 2026 will be 36 books, so off I go on a new quest starting tomorrow. … Continue reading
Infinite singularities in an optical beam???
Working on the second edition of my Singular Optics textbook and thought I would blog about some of the fun developments in the field that I’ve come across while doing the book research! Light has wave properties, and as a … Continue reading
By the Hands of Fools, by Grace Mathis
Book 30 for my 2025 goal of 30 books for the year — I MADE MY GOAL! Now I’ll probably read a couple of additional books by the end of the year to get ahead and prep for my 36 book … Continue reading
Fake Book Titles Extravaganza, Part 9!
It’s time to compile all my fake book titles from social media again! You can see compilation 1, compilation 2, compilation 3, compilation 4, compilation 5, compilation 6, compilation 7 and compilation 8 at the links. It’s been a while since I really indulged in this, largely due … Continue reading
1975: The year that quantum mechanics met gravity (from the archives)
Another post from the archives while I work on new stuff!
Posted in History of science, Physics
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Skulls in the Stars 