Technologies

Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower provides a perfect Perseid preview

This season’s spectacle of shooting stars is just getting started.

The most anticipated night of the year for shooting-star spotting is still a couple of weeks away. It happens on Aug. 11, when the Perseids peak, but this week still offers a welcome warm-up courtesy of the Southern Delta Aquariid meteor shower.

Technically, the Delta Aquariids are visible in the Northern Hemisphere but make for better viewing from southern latitudes, hence the name. The shower peaked on Wednesday night and Thursday morning but itshould still be visible in the night sky for the next few evenings and early mornings.

«The Delta Aquariids are another strong shower best seen from the southern tropics,» says the American Meteor Society.

When viewed from further north, these meteors typically appear at lower rates and closer to the southern horizon. They’re also less bright than the more spectacular Perseids and produce fewer fireballs, but they can still make for a good training run for the more popular shower next month.

As the shower peaks, NASA says, you might expect to see up to 20 meteors per hour. That number will quickly slip to just a handful as the days proceed.

The source of the Delta Aquariids is thought to be the comet 96P Machholz, which swings through the inner solar system roughly every five years, leaving behind a trail of dust and debris. Each July, Earth passes through this cloud of cometary detritus, and tiny pebbles and other little leftovers smack into our atmosphere and put on a brief light show as they burn up.

This year, the shower will be competing a bit with a partial moon in the night sky. Your best bet is to go out in the evening before the moon comes up, and find a spot with a broad view of the sky and no light pollution.

Give your eyes at least 20 minutes to adjust to the dark and then lay back on a blanket our lounge chair, relax and just watch. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, best to orient yourself toward the southern horizon.

Set aside at least an hour for a viewing party, and enjoy, keeping in mind that the night skies get only more exciting in the coming weeks!

Follow CNET’s 2021 Space Calendar to stay up to date with all the latest space news this year. You can even add it to your own Google Calendar.

Technologies

Prime Video Subscribers: Grab 6 Months of Apple TV Plus for $36 This Cyber Monday

Binge watch top-notch shows like Ted Lasso and Shrinking TV from Apple for as little as $6 per month. The best part? It’s not the only deal available.

Cyber Monday deals are coming in hot. Not only will you save on laptops, audio gear and gifts, you can also save on streaming service subscriptions. We found a Prime Video add-on deal that’ll get you Apple TV for a paltry $6 per month.

The streaming service formerly known as Apple TV Plus is one of the add-on subscriptions that Prime Video offers, and now you can sign up for a subscription for only $6 per month for six months. You need a Prime membership, which costs $15 per month or $139 per year, to get Apple TV through Prime Video (and snag the deal). The offer ends tomorrow Dec. 1.

Apple TV typically costs $13 per month and is ad-free. A subscription delivers the sci-fi hit Pluribus, the award-winning Severance and family fare too. It’s the exclusive home of Peanuts, including classics like A Charlie Brown Christmas.

This Apple TV discount is just one of many deals you can score as Amazon enters Cyber Monday mode. Here are some more Prime Video offers to consider right now.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source.

Prime Video subscription deals

Each of these deals is only available if you use Prime Video to sign up.

Apple TV: $6 per month for six months. Typically $13 per month.

Starz: $2.75 per month for two months. Typically $11 per month.

MGM Plus: $2 per month for two months. Typically $8 per month.

BritBox: $2.75 per month for two months. Typically $11 per month.

BET Plus: $1.50 per month for two months. Typically $6 per month.

Crunchyroll: $3 per month for two months. Typically $12 per month.

PBS Kids: $1.25 per month for two months. Typically $5 per month.

AMC Plus: $1.75 per month for two months. Typically $7 per month.

Acorn TV: $2.25 per month for two months. Typically $9 per month.

Hallmark Plus: $2 per month for two months. Typically $8 per month.

BBC Select: $1.50 per month for two months. Typically $6 per month.

PBS Masterpiece: $1.75 per month for two months. Typically $7 per month.

Moviesphere Plus: $1.25 per month for two months. Typically $5 per month.

UP Faith & Family: $1.50 per month for two months. Typically $6 per month.

Ryan and Friends Plus: $1 per month for two months. Typically $4 per month.

PBS Documentaries: $1.25 per month for two months. Typically $5 per month.

Great American Pure Flix: $2.50 per month for two months. Typically $10 per month.

The Great Courses Signature Collection: $2 per month for two months. Typically $8 per month.

You can also save on streaming service bundles. Browse all of the options right now at Amazon.

Join Our Daily Deals Text Group!

Get hand-picked deals from CNET shopping experts straight to your phone.

By signing up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to receive recurring marketing messages at the phone number provided. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Reply STOP to unsubscribe. Msg & data rates may apply. View our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Technologies

Cyber Monday Is Here and We’ve Found Some Amazing PlayStation, Xbox and Switch Deals

Technologies

Escape the Holiday Noise With These Bose Headphones — Under $150 for Cyber Monday

Whether you’re traveling or hiding from family chatter, these Bose QuietComfort headphones are a steal for Cyber Monday.

We’re big fans of personal audio gear, especially high-quality headphones. Which means we’re pretty picky about what we like. The Bose QuietComfort headphones have been ranked by CNET’s experts as some of the best noise-canceling headphones available. As part of Cyber Monday, Amazon is offering these excellent headphones at a new low price.

Right now, Amazon is running a deal on one of the colors for $160 and $30 in digital credit for Amazon, effectively bringing the price down to $130, a record-low. It is worth remembering that you need to use the code BOSE30 to get the full discount. This is a Cyber Monday deal, so availability may be limited and we don’t know how long it will last.

The QuietComfort headphones include active noise cancellation with Quiet and Aware modes so you can block distractions or let in ambient sound when needed. They’re designed with plush over-ear cushions and a padded headband, making them comfortable enough for long listening sessions.

You can also customize your sound with adjustable EQ, fine-tuning bass, mids and treble to match your preferences. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 24 hours of playtime on a single charge. And if you’re in a rush, a quick 15-minute USB-C charge provides up to 2.5 extra hours of listening.

These headphones are versatile, too. They include a wired option with an in-line microphone, multipoint Bluetooth for switching between your phone or media player and Bose app support for updates and controls.

For more headphone options, check out our roundup of the best headphone deals. You can also explore broader seasonal picks like the best Cyber Monday laptop deals or Black Friday office finds.

HEADPHONE DEALS OF THE WEEK

Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (Black):

$248 (save $152)
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Black):

$170 (save $181)
Apple AirPods Max ANC Wireless Headphones (USB-C Charging, Midnight):

$400 (save $150)
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Lunar Blue):

$299 (save $130)
Bose QuietComfort Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones:

$199 (save $150)

Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.

Why this deal matters

Bose is a leader in personal audio, and the QuietComfort headphones are a staple for travelers, commuters and music lovers. With over 50% off, this Cyber Monday deal is one of the best prices we’ve seen. With premium noise cancellation, plush comfort and long battery life, it’s a strong value for anyone looking to upgrade their listening experience. Act fast because we don’t know how long this deal will last.