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Dr. SkySkull is a physics professor with interests in optics, science history, and pulp fiction.

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Interests:

Physics Optics History of science Classic pulp fantasy Horror fiction

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The blog post discusses the author's research on optical vortices and their applications in singular optics, particularly focusing on the concept of vortex beams that can possess an infinite number of vortices. The author explains...
The blog post explores the historical significance of Julius Robert Mayer's early ideas on the conservation of energy, particularly focusing on his observations during a voyage to Indonesia and his subsequent correspondence with f...
Recent research reveals that the flexibility of a cat's thoracic spine plays a crucial role in how they land on their feet during a fall.
Recent research reveals that objects can be made increasingly invisible from multiple directions, despite challenges in achieving perfect invisibility cloaks.
The blog post discusses the significant year of 1975 when quantum mechanics began to intersect with the field of gravity, highlighting the historical context and implications of this convergence in physics. It reflects on the evol...
Hothouse by Brian Aldiss presents a thrilling, imaginative tale of survival in a future Earth dominated by predatory vegetation and human power struggles.
A review of Ramsey Campbell's 'Incarnate,' which intricately weaves horror and science fiction through the lens of precognitive dreaming and character manipulation.
Optical caustics are intricate light patterns formed by irregular surfaces, explained through geometrical optics and catastrophe theory, with real-world examples enhancing comprehension.
A review of 'The Berserker Throne' explores its themes of self-defense and moral sacrifice amidst a universe threatened by intelligent robotic war machines.
Elizabeth Hand's 'A Haunting on the Hill' is a masterful sequel that explores psychological horror through a group of artists trapped in the infamous Hill House.
The blog post reviews the comic series 'Solomon Kane: The Serpent Ring' by Patrick Zercher, highlighting the character Solomon Kane, a Puritan hero created by Robert E. Howard. The author discusses Kane's quest for justice, his mo...
The blog post discusses the historical context and significance of the illusion known as Pepper’s Ghost, exploring its origins and the contributions of figures like Dircks and Pepper in the development of this optical phenomenon.
The blog post discusses Ruby Payne-Scott, a pioneering physicist known for her work on sunspots. It explores her contributions to the field of solar physics and the historical context of her research, highlighting the significance...
Twelve Nights at Rotter House is a thrilling exploration of horror tropes as a travel writer documents his eerie stay in a haunted mansion with a friend.
Mark Sumner's 'On Whetsday' is a captivating science fiction novel that explores humanity's survival under alien guardianship and reveals profound truths about xenophobia.
This review of 'Conan the Barbarian: A Nest of Serpents' praises its faithful continuation of Howard's legacy and the vibrant art, making it a must-read for Conan fans.
The author reflects on their goal of reading 30 books in 2025, sharing their experience at the Charlotte Bookpalooza where they discovered 'By the Hands of Fools' by Grace Mathis, a young adult fantasy romance. The story follows K...
The post is a compilation of humorous fake book titles inspired by current events and pop culture, showcasing the author's creativity and wit. It includes references to political themes, pop culture, and various genres, with a lig...
The author recounts attending a ghost story reading at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, which inspired them to compile a list of ghost stories ideal for reading aloud around a campfire. The post includes a selection of classic and ...
Recent research on falling felines has garnered media attention, prompting reflections on the physics of how cats flip over during falls.
The author reviews 'Alone' (2011), a short novelette by horror author Brian Keene, which follows Daniel Miller as he wakes up to find his family missing and the world shrouded in fog. The story explores themes of isolation and fea...
The blog post discusses the phenomenon of why car headlights appear to be off when it is raining at night, exploring the intersection of physics and optics in this context.
The author announces their selection as a Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer and outlines the topics they will present, including falling cats and the history of energy conservation.
The blog post presents a collection of classic horror stories centered around the theme of haunted houses for the Halloween season. It includes summaries of notable works such as 'The Shunned House' by H.P. Lovecraft, 'The Haunted...