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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
Musings about the “many worlds” quantum hypothesis
Though my work is primarily in classical wave optics, I maintain an avid interest in quantum physics (see my posts here and here for example) and especially all the weird implications of it, including the various attempts to make the … Continue reading
Dungeon Crawl at the Haunted Mall, by Jendia Gammon
Book 20 for my 2026 goal of 36 books for the year! On track with my reading! My link to the book is through my bookshop.org affiliate account, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy from there. This book was a … Continue reading
The Unfinished Business, by Stephanie Campisi
Book 19 for my 2026 goal of 36 books for the year! On track with my reading! My link to the book is through my bookshop.org affiliate account, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy from there. I am continuing to … Continue reading
Strange Buildings, by Uketsu
Book 18 for my 2026 goal of 36 books for the year! On track with my reading! My link to the book is through my bookshop.org affiliate account, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy from there. It says a lot … Continue reading
Strange Pictures, by Uketsu
Book 17 for my 2026 goal of 36 books for the year! What do you know, I’m back on track for the year! My link to the book is through my bookshop.org affiliate account, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy … Continue reading
Doomflower, by Jendia Gammon
Book 16 for my 2026 goal of 36 books for the year! Only slightly behind. My link to the book is through my bookshop.org affiliate account, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy from there. Having recently gone through my friend … Continue reading
Kalivas! Or, Another Tempest, by Nick Mamatas
Book 15 for my 2026 goal of 36 books for the year! Only slightly behind. My link to the book is through my bookshop.org affiliate account, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy from there. I’ve been internet friends with … Continue reading
Strange Houses, by Uketsu
Book 14 for my 2026 goal of 36 books for the year! More or less on track. My link to the book is through my bookshop.org affiliate account, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy from there. My reading … Continue reading
What is an “optical skyrmion?”
Preparing to write the final section for the second edition of my Singular Optics textbook that happens to be on, you guessed it, optical skyrmions! I thought I would try writing a non-technical explanation first to straighten out all the … Continue reading
Blood Type, by Bechko, Sorrentino and Stewart
Book 14 for my 2026 goal of 36 books for the year! Still keeping a decent pace. As usual, my link to the book is through my bookshop.org affiliate account, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy from … Continue reading
Skulls in the Stars 