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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
The Invisible Bomber, by Lieutenant John Pease
Originally posted on Skulls in the Stars:
Still more invisibility in fiction to come! It seems like an almost endless subject. I didn’t have particularly high expectations for this next story. “The Invisible Bomber,” by Lieutenant John Pease, appeared in…
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The Man Who Could Vanish, by A. Hyatt Verrill
Originally posted on Skulls in the Stars:
Yet another invisibility story! It is simply amazing how many of these are out there. And I haven’t even really looked past the year 1960. If you look at the cover of the…
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The Invisible World, by Ed Earl Repp
Originally posted on Skulls in the Stars:
Have we found the ultimate invisibility story? Read on… In hindsight, I should have realized that I would find a story that takes invisibility to the extreme! Once we’ve had invisible people, invisible…
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Talking invisibility on StarTalk!
This was exciting — a couple of weeks ago, I went on StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson and Negin Farsad to talk about the physics of invisibility! You can listen to the audio for free at this link; if you … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Personal
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The Invisible City, by Clark Ashton Smith
How many more invisibility stories in science fiction and horror can I find? I’m not even close to being done! In the meantime, remember that my book on the history and science of invisibility is now available! Just as there … Continue reading
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Salvage in Space, by Jack Williamson
Originally posted on Skulls in the Stars:
Yep, I’ve still got more invisibility stories to discuss! In fact, I found 4 more through searching old magazines today. Reminder that I’ll have a book on the history of invisibility physics coming…
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Musings on the “TikTok Mirror Mystery”
So I wasn’t going to comment on this trend that’s been going around on TikTok for a few weeks, but I am an optical physicist so I probably should say something about it — and in fact, I would like … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Optics
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The Radiant Shell, by Paul Ernst
Originally posted on Skulls in the Stars:
Another invisibility story! The number and variety of stories continues to amaze me. You know what we haven’t really seen yet? A good invisible spy story! “Raiders Invisible” came close, but its invisible…
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The Attack From Space, by Captain S.P. Meek
Originally posted on Skulls in the Stars:
Yet another blog post about invisibility in fiction! Just as a reminder, this is to celebrate the completion of my book draft on the history of invisibility physics, coming next year (I hope).…
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