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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. -
Category Archives: Personal
Invisibility: The History and Science of How Not to Be Seen
Today is the official publication day for my latest non-fiction popular science book, Invisibility: The History and Science of How Not to Be Seen! As the title indicates, this is a look at the intersection of science and invisibility throughout … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Personal
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Invisibility is an April 2023 must-read book for NBIC!
I learned about this a few weeks ago, but forgot to post about it here! My upcoming book on Invisibility was selected as a “must-read book” for April 2023 for The Next Big Idea Club! The Next Big Idea Club … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Personal
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The first copy of Invisibility has arrived!
I just wanted to post a short note to say that I’ve received the first copy of my book on the history and science of invisibility, and it looks great! I’m very excited for people to get a chance to … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Personal
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Existential Physics, by Sabine Hossenfelder
Time to get back into a little combination book blogging/science blogging! Let’s talk a little bit about Existential Physics by Sabine Hossenfelder, published in 2022. I read this book recently due to somewhat curious circumstances. My friend Mark at my … Continue reading
Science Chamber of Horrors reminder!
Hi folks, I’ve been a little busy with work lately and unable to do much blogging, but I thought I’d remind y’all that I also have started up my Science Chamber of Horrors Tumblr, where I share creepy tidbits I … Continue reading
Posted in General science, Horror, Personal
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Help Laird Barron cover medical costs!
Just a short note here to help bring attention to a GoFundMe for brilliant horror and thriller author Laird Barron, who has been hospitalized with a severe illness. I’ve talked about Barron’s work quite often on this blog, and have … Continue reading
Posted in Health, Horror, Personal
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“Invisibility” recognized in Publishers Weekly!
Just a short note: my editor pointed out to me that my book made the “top ten” list of Spring 2023 science books at Publishers Weekly! Saving the relevant part of the page for my own personal record: This is … Continue reading
Posted in Invisibility, Personal
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My moment of glory on Twitter
The destruction of Twitter at such a fast rate that you can pretty much watch it collapse in real time is a bit melancholy for me. Though I’m happy to see Billionaire Baby demonstrate clearly his level of actual competence, … Continue reading
Posted in ... the Hell?, Personal, Silliness
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An intro to Mastodon from a relative newcomer!
“So your favorite social media site has been taken over by a bumbling fascist-friendly narcissist.” Mine, too. With Twitter under new management that leaves me very pessimistic about its future as a viable communications site, I’ve been taking a look … Continue reading
Posted in Entertainment, Personal
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“Invisibility” has a cover and a release date!
Of course, my publisher never tells me these things, but the cover for my next popular science book, on the history and physics of invisibility, has been made public and the book has a release date! It was a challenge … Continue reading
Posted in History of science, Invisibility, Personal
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