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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
Optics by hot air balloon?
The first in a (hopefully) series of posts inspired by topics covered in my upcoming textbook on singular optics. Crewed balloon rides have a surprisingly large role in the history of science. The first untethered balloon flight was performed in Paris on November … Continue reading
Posted in Optics, Physics
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Some more skydiving videos!
While I’m working on some new physics blog posts, here’s a couple of more skydiving videos that I took with a GoPro!
Posted in Personal, Sports
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New skydiving camera helmet!
After about six months off, I’ve finally gotten back into the air… into freefall, that is! I haven’t been jumping for a while thanks to a combination of reasons, probably in large part to wanting to work on my singular … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Sports
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Twitter Weird Science Facts, Volume 7
Time for another round-up of weird science facts from twitter! Click below to find out this guy was dressed for, and how it didn’t turn out so well for him.
Posted in General science, Weirdscifacts
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Roadside Picnic, by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky
Ever since I read Dmitry Glukhovsky’s sublime 2005 novel Metro 2033, I’ve been interested in reading more Russian science fiction. The next natural choice was the classic 1972 novel Roadside Picnic, by Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. It’s a bit daunting to … Continue reading
Posted in Horror, Science fiction
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Introducing Full Professor SkySkull!
For those who don’t follow me on Twitter, I thought I should share the news here: I received word from my department chair today that my promotion to Full Professor of Physics and Optical Science at UNCC was approved! If … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Silliness
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Physics demonstrations: the Mirascope
I recently participated again in the annual UNCC Science and Technology Expo, showing off neat science demos to the public. This year, I decided to add a table of “Optics and Illusions,” to show how science and our own brains can … Continue reading
Posted in Optics, Physics demos
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John Wyndham’s Stowaway to Mars
Even if you don’t know John Wyndham‘s name, you are familiar with his writing. Wyndham (1903-1969) wrote a number of incredibly famous and influential science fiction novels, including two that have been adapted for screen several times: The Day of … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Science fiction
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Twitter Weird Science Facts, Volume 6
Time for another roundup of Twitter #weirdscifacts! Read below to learn the amazing secret this single unearthed coin revealed.
Posted in General science, Weirdscifacts
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Orrin Grey’s Painted Monsters and Other Strange Beasts
When I was a kid, I was terrified of horror stories. I really couldn’t handle even the mildest of tales: one that sticks out in my head as particularly scary at the time was the 1962 movie version of Day … Continue reading
Posted in Horror
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Skulls in the Stars 