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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
Dead Reckonings #17 is available!
For those who are interested in reading analyses of the latest in horror literature and cinema, I’m happy to announce that Dead Reckonings No. 17 is now available! It includes articles by some of the best writers and scholars … Continue reading
Posted in Horror
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Infinite hotels in swirling beams of light
I’ve noticed there seems to be a general unspoken rule about the relationship between mathematics and science: any mathematics, no matter how abstract or seemingly disconnected from reality, eventually finds use or representation in the natural world. For example, most … Continue reading
Posted in Mathematics, Optics
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Dr. SkySkull in China, part 4: the Silk Road Museum
Still have a few posts on China to write, even though I’ve been back for over two weeks! Can’t let all of these photos sit on my laptop with nothing to do. My last day in China was a Saturday, … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Travel
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Ghosts Know, by Ramsey Campbell
The British author Ramsey Campbell has long been my favorite writer of horror, and one of his novellas — Needing Ghosts — has the unusual distinction of being the only story I’ve ever read that made me doubt my sanity when … Continue reading
Posted in Horror, Mystery/thriller
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Dr. SkySkull in China, part 3: the Terracotta Army
There have been two books sitting on the shelf in my office for as long as I can remember. They are picture books about the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, constructed to serve the … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Travel
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The Sea of Ash, by Scott Thomas
A short break from my China posts to catch up on some weird fiction blogging! In 1870, a spiritualist named Simon Brinklow disappears as he is pulled into a barrel full of leaves at a farm in Vermont. In 1920, … Continue reading
Posted in Horror, Weird fiction
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Dr. SkySkull in China, part 2: the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
I arrived in Xi’an late on a Saturday night, two hours later than expected due to a weather delay flying out of Beijing. So I was pretty exhausted on Sunday, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to get out … Continue reading
Dr. SkySkull in China, part 1: Overview
The blog has been quiet this past week because I’ve been literally halfway around the world! I was invited to China to give a pair of scientific talks and plan out some collaborative work. The trip was productive and fun, … Continue reading
Posted in Personal, Travel
9 Comments
Unconventional skydives: helicopter jump!
I haven’t posted any skydiving videos for a while, largely because I’ve long depended on other people, with cameras, to video me in freefall. This Christmas, my lovely wife got me a GoPro, however, and the other day I finally broke … Continue reading
Posted in Sports
3 Comments
The comics moment that most inspires me: Suicide Squad
Update: Forgot to say “thank you” to my Dad for mailing me my complete “Suicide Squad” collection, which made this whole post possible! I suspect that people who don’t read comics fail to realize how much kids can be inspired … Continue reading
Posted in Entertainment, Personal
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Skulls in the Stars 