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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
History of the Conservation of Energy: Booms, Blood, and Beer (Part 2)
Part 2 of a trilogy of posts describing the history of the discovery of conservation of energy, inspired by my research on “Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics.” Part 1 can be read here. In 1798, Count Rumford presented the first … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Physics
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Dreadnought, by April Daniels
A young girl, who is alienated from her friends and family because she feels she must hide who she truly is, witnesses a battle between the world’s greatest superhero, Dreadnought, and a mysterious powerful new enemy. In the end, Dreadnought … Continue reading
Posted in Adventure fiction, Science fiction
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Way of the Worm, by Ramsey Campbell
Over the summer, I blogged about the first two books in the “Three Births of Daoloth” trilogy by Ramsey Campbell, an ambitious work of cosmic horror that spans decades and follows the struggles of Dominic Sheldon against a family that … Continue reading
History of the Conservation of Energy: Booms, Blood, and Beer (Part 1)
Another post inspired by my research into my Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics book! Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but merely converted from one form to another. Such is a typical statement of the law of conservation of energy, … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Physics
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Burnt Offerings, by Robert Marasco
For many years, I marveled at what appeared to be a genuine dearth of quality haunted house novels. There are a number of undeniable classics, such as Jay Anson’s The Amityville Horror (1977), Stephen King’s The Shining (1977), Shirley Jackson’s … Continue reading
Posted in Horror
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RIP Simon, 2002-2018
It has been a hard year in many ways, but the worst of it has been the loss of numerous loved ones. Last night, our beloved kitty Simon passed away suddenly at age 16, apparently from a heart problem. It … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Personal
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Of Men and Monsters, by William Tenn
I’ve noted a few times already that the series of SF Masterworks released by the Orion Publishing Group is a great way to get exposed to some great science fiction that has otherwise fallen off the radar in recent years. … Continue reading
Posted in Science fiction
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Pendulums, spheres, and the spinning Earth
The first of what will hopefully be a small series of posts inspired by research on my Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics book, which will be sent to the publisher this week! Made some small updates for clarity to the … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Physics
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Halloween Treats 2018
Every year, since the beginning of this blog, I’ve posted a selection of classic horror and ghost stories for Halloween, as “treats” for my readers! I was originally inspired to do this after I saw Miriam Burstein, who runs The … Continue reading
Posted in Horror
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Falling Felines Photo Fundraiser update!
Just a quick update here, for those who haven’t been following my GoFundMe page: I’ve made great progress in raising the funds for the photo rights so far — with over 2/3rd covered! I’ve been quite obsessed with getting the … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Personal
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Skulls in the Stars 