Explore the Stars: Intro to Astronomy

Explore the Stars: Local Sci-Fi Author & Astronomer Jeff Knoblauch to Host Astronomy Event at Cass County Library

Sponsored by Midnight Garden Publishing and the Astronomical Society of Kansas City. This all-ages event features safe solar telescope viewing, gives basic telescope calibration information, provides a list of space objects and celestial bodies that can be viewed, and celebrates Knoblauch’s upcoming novel, “Atlantis: Rogue AI Rising.”

Cass County, Mo. — Local sci-fi author and astronomer Jeff Knoblauch, creator of the popular Atlantis Series, is inviting stargazers of all ages to look up and explore the universe. On Monday, August 10, 2026, the Cass County Public Library will host “Explore the Stars: Intro to Astronomy” at the Northern Resource Center from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Presented in partnership with Midnight Garden Publishing and the Astronomical Society of Kansas City (ASKC), this interactive presentation offers an engaging entry point into stargazing basics while connecting real-world science with the wonders of science fiction.

Event Highlights
Stargazing 101: Learn how to navigate the night sky, identify constellations, and choose the right equipment with guidance from author Jeff Knoblauch.
Live Solar Telescope Viewing: Courtesy of the ASKC, attendees will have a rare opportunity to safely observe solar features and flares through specialized solar telescopes provided on-site.
Sneak Peek at Upcoming Sci-Fi Release: Event sponsor Midnight Garden Publishing will share details on Knoblauch’s highly anticipated third installment in the Atlantis Series, Atlantis: Rogue AI Rising, debuting this Fall.
Family-Friendly STEM Learning: Free and accessible for space enthusiasts of all ages—from young future scientists to adults rekindling their passion for the cosmos.
“Connecting people to the real science behind the stars is just as exciting as writing science fiction,” says Knoblauch. “Whether we’re observing solar flares through a telescope or imagining AI in deep space, curiosity is what drives us forward.”

Event Details
Event: Explore the Stars: Intro to Astronomy with Jeff Knoblauch
Date: Monday, August 10, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM CDT
Location: Northern Resource Center (NRC Meeting Room), Cass County Public Library
Admission: Free & open to the public
Target Audience: All ages (Family, STEM/STEAM, Education & Learning)
Sponsors: Midnight Garden Publishing & Astronomical Society of Kansas City (ASKC)

About Jeff Knoblauch

Jeff Knoblauch is a Kansas City-based science fiction author, retired Medical Technician, and lifelong astrophile. Inspired by the world-building genius of classic sci-fi legends like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke, Jeff weaves meticulous detail and the indomitable spirit of human persistence into his Journey of Atlantis series. When he isn’t chronicling the monumental struggle of building a sixty-five-mile-long spaceship, Jeff can be found capturing stunning astrophotography through his telescopes, experimenting with his backyard smoker, or sharing his love of the cosmos with his local community. A proud husband, father, and grandfather, he resides in Cass County, Missouri.

About Midnight Garden Publishing

Midnight Garden Publishing is an independent publishing house dedicated to cultivating captivating stories from across science fiction, fantasy, fiction, poetry, and nonfiction. Committed to supporting Kansas City visionary authors, Midnight Garden Publishing brings imaginative worlds to readers everywhere and is proud to publish Jeff Knoblauch’s upcoming third book, Atlantis: Rogue AI Rising, releasing in Fall 2026.

About the Astronomical Society of Kansas City (ASKC)

The Astronomical Society of Kansas City is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering interest in astronomy and science education through public outreach, telescope viewing events, and educational workshops across the greater Kansas City metropolitan area.

About the Cass County Public Library

The Cass County Public Library system serves the community by providing open access to information, educational resources, creative programming, and lifelong learning opportunities for residents across Cass County.