Search Skulls in the Stars:
- Follow Skulls in the Stars on WordPress.com
- 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.
Archives
-
Mastodon account: drskyskull
Meta
Author Archives: skullsinthestars
Robert Williams Wood and the mystery of anomalous dispersion (1901)
I’ve been hard at work in recent months on a new textbook on electromagnetic waves, and that has led me to dig deep into understanding a number of subjects, and their history, that I have only really casually considered in … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Optics, Physics
1 Comment
Me, talking falling felines in LiveScience!
Recently, I was interviewed for a LiveScience article about how cats land on their feet, and the article came out today! Here is the link for those who are interested in hearing me talk falling felines, yet again! PS just … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Physics
Leave a comment
Invisibility audiobook 60% off!
Hi all, I’ve been rather overwhelmed with work lately (two PhD students defended, working on a textbook draft that is due in a few months, etc.), so I’ve been quite quiet here. I’ve got a few posts in the works, … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
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
1 Comment
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
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment
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
Leave a comment