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We perform a theoretical analysis of the Λb → J/ΨK- p reaction from where a recent LHCb experiment extracts a Λ(1405) contribution in the K- p spectrum close to threshold and two baryon states of hidden charm in the J/Ψp spectrum. We recall that baryon states of this type have been theoretically predicted matching the mass, width and JP of the experiment; concretely some states built up from the J/ΨN, D¯* Λc, D¯*Σc, D¯Σc,* and D¯*Σc* coupled channels. We assume that the observed narrow state around 4450 MeV has this nature and we are able to describe simultaneously the shapes and relative strength of the the K- p mass distribution close to threshold and the peak of the J/Ψp distribution, with values of the J/Ψp coupling to the resonance in line with the theoretical ones. The nontrivial matching of many properties gives support to a JP = 3/2- assignment to this state and to its nature as a molecular state mostly made of D¯*Σc and D¯*Σc*. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of outer space have fascinated humanity for ages and are of importance for understanding life on Earth. Molecular astrophysics, developed into a rigorous field of investigation by Alexander Dalgarno beginning in the 1960s, studies radiation emitted or absorbed by molecules in space to expand our knowledge concerning the structure and dynamics of the universe. More than one hundred molecules have been detected in interstellar space and most of these molecules have large numbers of observable transitions, so the amount of information provided is huge. Dalgarno has used this information to develop models of interstellar space, in particular of molecular clouds. These models account for the heating and cooling mechanisms, excitations and de-excitations of molecules (in particular of H 2 ), magnetohydrodynamic shockwaves, formation and destruction of molecules, and chemical reactions in space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the chemistry of space and the variety of chemical species it contains. Scientists are said to anticipate using databases of chemical species cataloged over the years to research cosmic chemical reactions. Chemist Brooks Pate is quoted regarding the gas-phase and surface chemistry of space. The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) telescope in development and others like it are expected to become useful tools in understanding molecular species in space.

The article presents a letter from the editor regarding scientists from various disciplines, such as astronomy, chemistry, and biology who are exploring the molecular populations that occupy deep space. The author presents a brief overview of the events happening in the universe before the evolution of life on Earth began and cites an article within the issue by Rachel Ehrenherg on research of the chemical history of the universe.

The article reports that the scientists at the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas set up a web-based virtual microscope for examining photographs returned from the Stardust space mission as of February 2006. The web-based virtual microscope was launched to help attract volunteers who would help the scientists look for microscopic impacts made by interstellar particles in the images. Stardust's mission was to chase a comet and capture material from its corona.