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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
Fearful Implications, by Ramsey Campbell
Book 5 of my 26 books for 2024 goal! Still behind in my reading, but have another that I will finish within a few days. It doesn’t take me very long to read anything new by Ramsey Campbell — assuming I … Continue reading
Posted in Horror
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Invisibility – now in Italian!
I just wanted to share a quick note that I just received the Italian edition of Invisibility, and it looks fantastic! I am also happy to report that since the word “invisibility” is quite similar in Italian, they were able … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Personal
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My Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics colloquium at APL!
Back in January of this year, I gave a talk about Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, and it was one of my favorite presentations on the subject, not to mention my most up-to-date! … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Physics
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The Space Vampires, by Colin Wilson
Book 4 of my 26 books for 2024 goal! I’m a little behind, but in fairness, February is a short month. Why 26 books? I normally can read much, much faster than that pace, but the way life and work … Continue reading
Posted in Horror, Lovecraft, Science fiction
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Physics demonstrations: tensegrity table
The best demonstrations of physics are those that show you something completely unexpected and counter to the way that physics is supposed to work. One of my favorites is this curious contraption, which I got through a Kickstarter a few … Continue reading
Posted in Physics demos
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Invisibility audiobook 70% off!
For those who enjoy audiobooks and haven’t yet gotten my invisibility book, this is just a quick note that Invisibility is now 70% off at audiobooks.com. I get full royalties even with the discount, so I’m totally cool with such … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Personal
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Black Mad Wheel, by Josh Malerman
Book 3 of my 26 books for 2024 goal! Some books look so appealing that I grab them off the shelf at the bookstore without hesitation, but somehow take forever to get around to reading. That is the case with … Continue reading
Posted in Horror
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New TikTok video on the Barkhausen effect!
I’ve been neglecting my TikTok page as much as my blog, so here’s a video that makes up for both! I talk about the really cool Barkhausen effect, which allows you to actually hear metal being magnetized. I wrote about … Continue reading
Posted in Physics
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How many actors have two LEGO minifigs?
So yesterday I learned that there is a Bricks & Minifigs store in my area, and I had to check it out. LEGO has become so huge in recent years that official LEGO stores are no longer enough, so you … Continue reading
Posted in Entertainment, Silliness
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Skulls in the Stars 