Banish thoughts of pocket protectors and pencil-necked physiques: These guys, to put it scientifically, are hot. In fact, they're Studmuffins of Science, the subjects of a 1996 pin-up calendar featuring 12 of the country's brightest and beefiest Ph.D.s. Posing as "Dr. December" is Chicago astrophysicist Edward "Rocky" Kolb, who, alongside a thumbnail summary of his work, offers admirers some never-before-revealed personal data ("I was the fifth Beatle."). The fun, says calendar creator Karen Hopkin, has a serious point: to show scientists as regular folks. With awesome pecs.
Celebrity impression: Elvis during his last minutes. "It involves lots of peanut butter," says Rocky. "It's not a pretty sight."
Best part about being a scientist: It shuts up those irritating, chatty people on airplanes. "Tell someone you're a theoretical astrophysicist and they quickly turn their attentions back to the in-flight magazines."
Favorite candidate for dark matter: The light photino (Remember, you heard it here, first).
Best blackboards: At Fermilab, every office has at least one that stretches from the floor to the ceiling.
Favorite elements: Hydrogen and helium. "They make up 99 percent of the universe," he says.
Biggest secret: He was the fifth Beatle.