Commission 14: Atomic and Molecular Data (Donnees Atomiques Et Moleculaires)

Abstract

In recent years the interaction between astrophysics and atomic physics has entered a new stage. On one hand, increasingly powerful, high resolution astronomical spectrometers and other observational instruments, especially those for recent space and astronomy missions, have created vastly increased demands for more detailed and more accurate data on atomic and molecular processes. On the other hand, the advent of large-scale computing capabilities has been an important development for the atomic physics community, giving it opportunities to embark on comprehensive data generation projects that were unthinkable until recently. Indeed, several huge data projects have now come to successful conclusion. These projects have not only generated vast amounts of new data, but have also in many cases far surpassed the earlier data in their accuracy.