[KappaWing]

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/07/science/space/08novacnd.html?ex=1336190400&en=1ffc3a101119a7e1&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

astronomers reported today that they had seen the brightest and most powerful stellar explosion ever recorded.

And about what could happen any day now with a closer star...

Even if it did blow as the new supernova did last fall, at a distance of around 7,500 light years, Eta Carinae would be unlikely to cause any serious harm to Earth, astronomers said. The explosion would be visible in the daylight and at night you would be able to read a book by its light.

I hope I get to see this in my lifetime. 

[Flipside]

Awesome! I'd absolutely love to see a Daytime-bright supernova in my lifetime, from a safe distance at least, it's been a wish of mine since I was about 7

[kane544]

There is the possibility Eta Carinae  could go hypernova. Just have a look at what wikipedia says here:

The possible Eta Carinae hypernova could affect Earth nearly 7,500 light years away, but would not likely affect humans directly, who are protected from gamma rays by the atmosphere. The damage would likely be restricted to the upper atmosphere, the ozone layer, and spacecraft, including satellites, and any astronauts in space.

[WeatherOp]

Awesome! I'd absolutely love to see a Daytime-bright supernova in my lifetime, from a safe distance at least, it's been a wish of mine since I was about 7

That would be seriously cool.

Allthough if a huge comet passed close to be very bright I would be sufficed.