[PatrickHenry]

This is another article from which the one in this thread seems to have been taken. It's got a bit more info: NASA Tracks Three Space Bursts, Says Stellar Explosions Imminent.

Some quotes:

Ricker told SPACE.com the stars will likely go supernova 10 to 20 days after the initial bursts that were spotted.

The eruptions are all probably a billion or so light-year away, Ricker said. That's relatively close in comparison to most gamma-ray bursts, which may explain why the X-ray flashes have been seen at all.

The bursts are known to come routinely from every direction in the sky. But they last just seconds, sometimes less than a second, so in most cases only the aftermath is witnessed. Astronomers hope this time they've seen the prelude and can witness the entire process.

[cogitator]

The eruptions are all probably a billion or so light-year away, Ricker said.

Clearly extra-galactic. The Andromeda Galaxy is two million light years away. VERY unlikely to be naked-eye visible.

Thanks for the extra info.

[My2Cents]

Stellar Explosions Imminent

A clear justification for pre-emption.

[JenB]

Ricker told SPACE.com the stars will likely go supernova 10 to 20 days after the initial bursts that were spotted.

I hope he's right. That would be so cool to see - a supernova! It'd be a once in a lifetime event - if I live to be a thousand.

[Chani]

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