[andrewas]

Sol is to small to go supernova. What it will do is swell up into a red giant, melting mercury and venus in the process, maybe earth as well, and then collapse into a dwarf star, losing its outer layers in the process. I think, its a while since I paid any attention to stellar mechanics.

I think there are some nearby stars that are large enough to go supernova, though, Sirius for one. Does anyone know what effect a supernova at that distance would have on life on earth?