So, I'm watching the TNG episode
Evolution.
The episode takes place in a giant/neutron star binary. Classic nova situation, with the neutron star ripping of stellar material until it reaches critical mass, then
BOOM! Neat that they used a real item, as opposed to the particle of the week, but there are problems.
1. The claim to know the time of the explosion down to the
minute. They're lucky to have it down to the decade.
2. At the end of the episode, they are 40 million km from the binary. That's .26 AU; closer than Mercury is to the Sun! Considering that events of this type are noticeable from Earth, and that the Enterprise's shields fail every time somebody throws a spitwad at them, do they
really want to be this close?
3. It is stated that this nova occurs every 196 years. Given Star Trek's future history, they haven't been able to accurately view more than two novas with any great accuracy! Of course we can do the "oh, the Vulcans told us" bit, but it's very clear that the scientist on board is the only guy really pursing this goal.