Babbage: Rocks in space

<p>A <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2021/10/09/a-probe-intended-to-study-the-trojan-asteroids-takes-off-shortly?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">probe to study the Trojan asteroids</a> is expected to take off this week, but what will this mission uncover about the formation of the solar system? Also, we explore new technology to observe asteroids, as well as a mission to deflect an incoming celestial object. And, we hear from the <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/2021/10/09/this-years-nobel-prizes-brought-both-delight-and-disbelief?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nobel co-laureate</a> in Physiology or Medicine, Ardem Patapoutian, about <a href="https://www.economist.com/science-and-technology/two-students-of-the-senses-win-the-nobel-prize-for-medicine/21805250?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">temperature and pressure sensing</a>. Alok Jha hosts.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at <a href="http://www.economist.com/podcastoffer?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">economist.com/podcastoffer</a> and sign up for our new weekly science newsletter at <a href="http://www.economist.com/simplyscience?utm_campaign=babbage&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_source=third-party-host&amp;utm_content=show-notes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">economist.com/simplyscience</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>Terms and conditions for the book competition featured in this podcast are available at <a href="http://economist.com/podcast-contest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_bla