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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. -
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Category Archives: Animals
The Fantastic Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics Photo Fundraiser
As you may have heard, I’ve been working on a book on the history and physics of cats landing on their feet, titled “Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics.” The book will be published in early 2019, hopefully, and I’m really … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, History of science, Physics
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Dr. SkySkull in Greece: The cats of Spetses
In my last post, I summarized quickly the first week of my recent two week work trip, which took place in Joensuu, Finland. The second week took place in Greece, and there was so much history and beauty packed into … Continue reading
RIP Sabrina, 2006-2018
Even when you know it is coming, and soon, it is never easy to lose a animal friend. Last night, after a six month struggle with cancer, my beloved Sabrina passed away at the age of 12. I had been … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Personal
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RIP Fluff, 2011-2018
Losing a beloved animal friend is always hard, but it is even harder when they are taken from you too soon. Last night, unexpectedly, our beloved kitty Fluff passed away at the age of 6. He apparently passed very quickly, … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Personal
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1965: Rabbits versus relativity
One of a number of posts that I’ll be sharing based on things discovered during research into my book on cat physics, coming next year! The previous post on the Chandler wobble is another post in this series. The ability … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Animals, History of science, Physics
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Dr. SkySkull in Rome: Colosseo and Palatino
Part 3 of a series of photo essays on my recent trip to Rome. Part 1 can be read here, and Part 2 can be read here. We got up early on day 3 in Rome to head to the Colosseum. … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, History of science, Personal, Travel
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Coming in 2018: Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics!
I’ve only been hinting at this revelation so far, but I am finally ready to let the cat out of the bag — almost literally! I have signed a contract with Yale University Press to write my first popular science book, … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, History of science, Personal, Physics
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Dinosaur feathers and other oddly-discovered science
Several days ago, a truly awe-inspiring and beautiful scientific achievement was announced to the public: the discovery of the first piece of amber ever found to actually contain the preserved tissue from the tail of a dinosaur, including bones, flesh … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, General science, History of science
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Cat-turning in the Washington Post!
Those who have followed this blog for a while know that I have a fascination with the physics and history of “cat-turning,” the ability of a cat to turn over and land on its feet even when it falls with … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Personal, Physics
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A trip to the New England Aquarium
I’m in Boston for a couple of days to attend an optics meeting, and I snuck out for an hour this afternoon to visit the lovely New England Aquarium! Even though I’m a physicist, I love visiting such places, because … Continue reading
Posted in Animals, Travel
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