-
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 Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The War of the Worlds”, by Manly and Wade Wellman
These days, there are countless “mashups” in fiction, in which two or more disparate genres, characters or series are brought together or into conflict. We’ve seen werewolves versus vampires, such as in the Underworld series of films; we’ve also seen … Continue reading
Posted in Mystery/thriller, Science fiction
7 Comments
1813: Faraday learns about the politics of science
Those of us in science like to envision our profession as a noble (“Nobel”?) calling, above the petty squabbles that taint other endeavors. The reality, of course, is that science is susceptible to politics just like any other field. One … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, History of science
20 Comments
Science Online 2012: The Music Video!
As you may have heard, two weeks ago I was attending Science Online 2012, a meeting of online science communicators and one of the most fun events I’ve ever attended! Period. To commemorate the event, Carin Bondar of PsiVid and … Continue reading
Posted in Personal
Leave a comment
Weird science facts, January 25 — January 31
Time for another week of Twitter #weirdscifacts! This week I wrapped up some facts about the North Carolina Museum for Natural Sciences and started some facts gleaned from Discovery Place’s “Mummies of the World” exhibit! We also have a bonus … Continue reading
Posted in Weirdscifacts
Leave a comment
Brian Keene’s “Earthworm Gods”
I haven’t blogged about horror fiction for a while — work, travel and holidays have conspired against me! This post is an attempt to catch up. A few years ago, I had a plan to do a blog post surveying … Continue reading
Posted in Horror
Leave a comment
Science Online 2012: A visit to the North Carolina Museum for Natural Sciences
The second of a series of posts chronicling my observations and experiences at Science Online 2012, which I attended last week. I love museums! My parents, especially my father, started taking me to science museums and zoos in the Chicago … Continue reading
Posted in General science, Travel
3 Comments
Science Online 2012: Weird and Wonderful Stories in the History of Science
This is the first of a series of posts summarizing my observations and experiences at Science Online 2012, which I attended last week. When I was starting out as a student of physics, most of the stories I heard … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Personal
10 Comments
Weird science facts, January 18 — January 24
Been a quiet week on the blog, thanks to my participating in Science Online 2012, which was one of the most fun and interesting events ever!!! We’re back with Twitter #weirdscifacts, however, and this week includes a number of facts … Continue reading
Posted in Weirdscifacts
Leave a comment
Weird science facts, January 11 — January 17
Still going strong on Twitter #weirdscifacts! This will likely be the last significant post of the week, due to my attending ScienceOnline 2012! (I posted my facts one day late this week, in solidarity with those in opposition to the … Continue reading
Posted in Weirdscifacts
2 Comments
The Giant’s Shoulders #43 is out — People, places & things!
The 43rd edition of the history of science blog carnival The Giant’s Shoulders is out today over at The Dispersal of Darwin! Go there to read about the people, places and things of the history of science, including: Victorian poet scientists Legends … Continue reading
Posted in General science, Science news
2 Comments
Skulls in the Stars 