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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
Solomon Kane: The Serpent Ring, by Patrick Zercher
Book 28 for my 2025 goal of 30 books for the year! As is now default for me, my link to the book is through my bookshop dot org affiliate account. Not long ago, Titan comics sent me a review copy of a recent … Continue reading
Posted in Adventure fiction, Robert E. Howard
Tagged book-reviews, books, comic-books, comics, fantasy
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Halloween Treats 2025: Haunted Houses!
Every year since I’ve started this blog, I’ve published a few classic open access stories of horror for the Halloween season! In recent years, I’ve started to make a theme for each year. This year, the theme is “haunted houses,” … Continue reading
Lucky Day, by Chuck Tingle
Book 27 for my 2025 goal of 30 books for the year! As is now default for me, my link to the book is through my bookshop dot org affiliate account. Chuck Tingle honestly has yet to disappoint in even the slightest. His latest … Continue reading
My appearances on Artologica and BBC Crowdscience!
Recently I’ve made a couple of appearances outside of my blog talking about science and I thought I would share them here! First, I collaborated with my artist friend Michele on a post talking about the optics of shimmering interference … Continue reading
Posted in General science, Personal
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My search for boardgames for seniors
I’m now in my mid-50s and my parents are in their 80s and are starting to experience the age-related cognitive problems that most of us will eventually encounter if we live that long. My dad in particular has very poor … Continue reading
Between Two Rivers, by Moudhy Al-Rashid
Book 26 for my 2025 goal of 30 books for the year! As is now default for me, my link to the book is through my bookshop dot org affiliate account. I have long had a huge fascination with the ancient Near East, fostered … Continue reading
Posted in History, History of science
Tagged book review, books, History, mesopotamia
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What is a Carnot engine?
I’ve recently been trying to “relearn” thermodynamics, a subject that I haven’t really looked at, or had to look at, for years. I put “relearn” in quotes because I never really learned it well in the first place! One of … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Physics
Tagged energy, philosophy, Physics, science, technology
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The Dead Come to Stay, by Brandy Schillace
Book 24 for my 2025 goal of 30 books for the year! As is now default for me, my link to the book is through my bookshop dot org affiliate account. I’ve been online friends with Brandy Schillace for a number of years … Continue reading
Skulls in the Stars 