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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
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
Atacama, by Jendia Gammon
Book 13 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
Posted in Horror, Science fiction
Tagged book review, book-reviews, books, Fiction, Horror
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Cork balls, Edwardian magazines, and optical physics
Okay, let’s look at a really cute physics demonstration that I found in a really unusual place and which has unexpected connections to optical physics! The demonstration in question is set up as follows: attach a string to a 1 … Continue reading
The Night Guest, by Hildur Knútsdóttir
Book 12 for my 2026 goal of 36 books for the year! I’ve basically rallied and caught myself up. As usual, my link to the book is through my bookshop.org affiliate account, which means I may earn a small commission if you … Continue reading
Skulls in the Stars 