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To Star Trek or to Star Wolf?

To Star Trek or to Star Wolf?

Why not do both? Let’s start with Trek. The new Star Trek movie Into Darkness debuts this month.  The word of mouth seems good from the few people I know who have seen advance screenings as do regular folks reporting at IMDB.  I’m a littl... Read More »

Psychics are Dark Fantasy

Psychics are Dark Fantasy

I remember being uncomfortable about the “psionics” in Dungeons and Dragons back when I was a kid.  Psychic powers seemed more appropriate in science fiction than fantasy.  I mean, we had Mr. Spock’s mind meld in Star Trek, Jedi min... Read More »

Ten Science Fiction Movies that are Really Fantasy

Ten Science Fiction Movies that are Really Fantasy

Without belaboring the concept, let’s do it. 1. Star Wars.  The force is magic, as are most other elements.  Just because something has robots, spaceships, ray guns doesn’t make it science fiction. 2. Inception.  Entering different level... Read More »

Alien Parameter Space

Alien Parameter Space

I love science fiction stories with aliens. There are some good ones without aliens, but they’d probably be better if they threw in some aliens. OK, maybe not, but I still love aliens. I write space-based science fiction often, and my novels h... Read More »

The Coolest Thing I’ve Seen All Week

The Coolest Thing I’ve Seen All Week

I’m an astronomer, but I also have a background in engineering, and when I was six, dinosaurs rivaled space for my primary interest.  I’m grown-up now, but must admit I still love toys.  The bigger the better. This image came to me via f... Read More »

Science Fiction Wishful Thinking

Science Fiction Wishful Thinking

There are a number of science fiction tropes that might come true at some point, but not necessarily within our lifetimes or near future.  They’re extremely common, however, and challenging them can elicit strong emotions from some.  Let me lis... Read More »

Another Difference Between Real Scientists and Science Fiction Scientists

Another Difference Between Real Scientists and Science Fiction Scientists

I was watching an episode of Fringe today and got to see Walter Bishop actually puttering around his lab and whipping up antidotes with seconds to spare.  If only science were so exciting on a daily basis, I bet it’d be easier to inspire people... Read More »

Science and Fiction by Springer

Science and Fiction by Springer

I’m on the editorial board, and an acquiring editor for, a new series by the European academic publisher Springer.  I’m busy but agreed to participate because I love the intersection of science and fiction and am the target audience for t... Read More »

The Launch Pad Astronomy Workshop for Writers

The Launch Pad Astronomy Workshop for Writers

I have some news about the workshop, but first, in case you don’t know what it is… Launch Pad is a week-long workshop held every summer since 2007 at the University of Wyoming.  I founded the workshop in order to get the most out of my l... Read More »

How to Host a Big Bang Theory Party

How to Host a Big Bang Theory Party

When the tv show the Big Bang Theory first appeared, I wasn’t sure I liked it.  I mean, weren’t people laughing at the nerdy scientists as often (or more often) than they laughed with them? Well, I learned to love the show because I thin... Read More »

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