An astonishingly bright “guest star” would inspire our children to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; vitally important to our nation.
Thoughtful contemplation of a star’s violent paroxysmal demise provides cultural gains, too. Blazing soundlessly in the firmament, a supernova would inspire legions of poets, artists, balladeers, troubadours, playwrights and philosophers. Furthermore, a supernova’s quiet presence would provide citizens with a pleasing nighttime ambience highly conducive to a variety of romantic assignations.
Task a panel of astronomers chaired by Dr. Neil Tyson with rank-ordering supernova candidates. President Obama should select one star as his presidentially-endorsed supernova progenitor and endorse it’s cataclysmic expiration.