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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
George Brewer’s The Witch of Ravensworth
A some time back I wrote a blog post about The Animated Skeleton, an early Gothic horror novel written in 1798 and reprinted for the first time by Valancourt Books. Though fascinating and enjoyable, ‘Skeleton is not an easy read, … Continue reading
Posted in Horror
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The 2008 “Classic Science Papers” Challenge is done!
The deadline for the “Classic Science Papers” challenge has passed! The collection of entries will be permanently bookmarked here, for future reference. Entries ranged over a wide variety of disciplines: biochemistry, biology, geology, neuroanatomy, medicine, physics, physiology, and psychology. Entries … Continue reading
Posted in General science
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Edgar Allan Poe’s The Premature Burial and its references
Of all of the works of Edgar Allan Poe’s, one of my favorites is The Premature Burial (1844). The narrator of the story is a man who suffers from cataleptic attacks which leave him insensate and seemingly lifeless. He develops … Continue reading
Posted in Horror
4 Comments
Seiches in Chicago
This is interesting. Only a couple of weeks after I wrote about the phenomena of seiches, powerful winds on Lake Michigan produced a seiche which washed up on the Chicago shoreline (h/t my Mom). This seiche was not devastating or … Continue reading
Posted in Science news
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A couple of days left for the ‘challenge’!
Just thought I’d put out a reminder that the official deadline for the ‘classic science paper challenge’ is only two days away: May 31st. It will probably take me a couple of days to write up a wrap-up post about … Continue reading
Posted in General science
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Grounded!
Well, I’m back from my skydiving adventure at the Memorial Day Boogie at Emerald Coast Skydiving Center. Just like last year, the staff was friendly and helpful, and I managed to get eight jumps on the beach. There’s nothing like … Continue reading
Posted in Sports, Travel
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The gallery of failed atomic models, 1903-1913
It is often said that history is “written by the victors”. While this statement is usually referring to the winners of a military or political conflict, a similar effect occurs in the history of science. Physics textbooks, for instance, often … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Physics
46 Comments
My favorite uses of “mood music” in television and movies
I recently rewatched the season finale of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and was struck by one particular scene, in which an FBI agent and a SWAT team move in to arrest a terminator, not knowing exactly what they’re dealing … Continue reading
Posted in Entertainment
5 Comments
Robert E. Howard’s Almuric
Hot on the heels of a discussion of various ‘planetary romances’ set on Mars, I turned to Robert E. Howard’s own take on said romances: the tale of the savage world of Almuric: I have to admit, Howard fan that … Continue reading
Posted in Fantasy fiction, Robert E. Howard
2 Comments
Keep ’em coming!
I’m currently sitting in a condo on the beach, after a ten-hour drive from home. I managed to find some internet to steal, so here I am! I just thought I’d write a quick note and mention that I’ve updated … Continue reading
Posted in General science
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