Eta Carinae

It is possible that Eta Carinæ hypernova or supernova 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. At least one scientist has claimed that if the star were to explode, "it would be so bright that you would see it during the day, and you could even read a book by its light at night".

( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eta_carinae#Future_prospects )

cool!