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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
What is science? Answers to a high school student
In my official capacity as a professor, I recently was contacted by a local high school student who asked some questions for a research paper on science. I asked for permission to repost the questions and the answers I gave … Continue reading
Posted in General science
7 Comments
Some thoughts on the recent tenure-related shooting
In the wake of the tragedy in Alabama, there has as expected been a lot of discussion on the internet about the nature of the shooting and its implications. In some sense, my impression is that the case has become … Continue reading
Posted in Politics, Science news
9 Comments
ResearchBlogging editor’s selections: slime mold traffic planners, synthetic marijuana, and evolution vs. morality
Nature-inspired network design: recent studies in slime mold and leaf veins. You could learn a lot from a slime mold! Hannah W. in Culturing Science explains how researchers are seeking inspiration from slime mold and leaves in developing new techniques … Continue reading
Posted in General science, Science news
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Captain America has a tradition of social commentary
If you haven’t seen it yet, the most recent issue of the Marvel Comics series Captain America has drawn the ire of teabaggers because of its negative portrayal of them. Via Yahoo news, Since 1941, Captain America has been one … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Entertainment, Politics
3 Comments
Vrije Universiteit goes for Open Access publishing!
This is interesting news! Via BoraZ on Twitter, I find that the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, has pledged to have 90% of its published articles available on Open Access: Within ten years, VU University Amsterdam wants to make 90% of its … Continue reading
Posted in Science news
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Sesqua Valley and Other Haunts, by W.H. Pugmire
One of H.P. Lovecraft’s enduring legacies as a writer is the creation of a cosmology that could and would be imitated by his followers. Many great authors of horror fiction got their start writing Lovecraft pastiches, such as Brian Lumley … Continue reading
Posted in Horror, Lovecraft
9 Comments
Announcing: Mathematical Methods for Optical Physics and Engineering!
I’ve mumbled various random things in the past about my upcoming textbook project; this week, I finally got approval from the publisher to start hyping it on the blog. (Actually, they never prohibited it, but I just got around to … Continue reading
Posted in Optics, Personal, Physics
18 Comments
Earthquake hits Chicago area!
Man, I miss all the cool stuff that happens in Chicago! Via the Chicago Sun Times: A 3.8 magnitude earthquake rattled the western suburbs early this morning. There were no reports of damage after the 3:59 a.m. quake, centered about … Continue reading
Posted in Science news
2 Comments
I’ll stick with my parachute, thanks
Via Daily Kos, I came across this interesting article in Popular Mechanics: How to Fall 35,000 Feet — and Survive: You have a late night and an early flight. Not long after takeoff, you drift to sleep. Suddenly, you’re wide … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, General science
1 Comment
ResearchBlogging editor’s selections: demoting gravity, dinosaur colors, flexible water, and girls v. boys
The end of gravity as we know it? Sarah at SarahAskew explains a radical new theory of gravity that would displace it as a “fundamental” force of nature! Fossil feather colors really ARE written in stone. I’m linking to this … Continue reading
Posted in General science, Science news
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Skulls in the Stars 