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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 Shadow of the Beast, by Robert E. Howard
Originally posted on Skulls in the Stars:
Another post about an invisibility story, from my researching into my book on invisibility physics. Sometimes a little bit of bad luck can turn into some good luck. To fill out my bibliography…
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Valley of Invisible Men, by Edmond Hamilton
My upcoming book on Invisibility includes an Invisibibliography of all the invisibility stories I found before finishing the draft. As the following story indicates, there are still more to be found… I am amazed that I can still find even … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Science fiction
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The Sea Demons, by Victor Rousseau
Originally posted on Skulls in the Stars:
Continuing a discussion of odd stories of invisibility in fiction that I came across in writing my book on the history of invisibility physics. Pulp stories are sometimes quite a ride. They can…
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The Secret of Wilhelm Storitz, by Jules Verne
Originally posted on Skulls in the Stars:
My book on the history and physics of invisibility is off to the publisher for final approval, though there’s still some little stuff I want to add, including a comprehensive bibliography of stories…
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Sinister Barrier, by Eric Frank Russell
Originally posted on Skulls in the Stars:
Writing a book about the history and science of invisibility has led me to read things that I would otherwise never have encountered, including a whole slew of science fiction tales about invisibility…
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For Love, by Algis Budrys
Okay, we’re only about two weeks away until the release of my latest popular science book, Invisibility: The history and science of How Not to Be Seen! In the run-up, I thought I’d reblog my old series of posts on … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Science fiction
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The first copy of Invisibility has arrived!
I just wanted to post a short note to say that I’ve received the first copy of my book on the history and science of invisibility, and it looks great! I’m very excited for people to get a chance to … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Personal
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Uzumaki and Gyo, by Junji Ito
I’m very late to the game on this, but I just recently read Junji Ito’s Uzumaki (1999) and Gyo (2002), and was so enthralled by Ito’s horrific visions I thought I’d share a few thoughts! For those unfamiliar, Junji Ito … Continue reading
Posted in Horror
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Existential Physics, by Sabine Hossenfelder
Time to get back into a little combination book blogging/science blogging! Let’s talk a little bit about Existential Physics by Sabine Hossenfelder, published in 2022. I read this book recently due to somewhat curious circumstances. My friend Mark at my … Continue reading
Science Chamber of Horrors reminder!
Hi folks, I’ve been a little busy with work lately and unable to do much blogging, but I thought I’d remind y’all that I also have started up my Science Chamber of Horrors Tumblr, where I share creepy tidbits I … Continue reading
Posted in General science, Horror, Personal
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