Atomic data for x-ray astrophysics

The available atomic data used for interpreting and modeling x-ray observations are reviewed. The applications for these data can be divided into several levels of detail, ranging from compilations which can be used with direct inspection of raw data, such as line finding lists, to synthetic spectra which attempt to fit to an entire observed dataset simultaneously. This review covers cosmic sources driven by both electron ionization and photoionization and touches briefly on planetary surfaces and atmospheres. The applications to x-ray astronomy, the available data, and recommendations for astronomical users are all reviewed, and an attempt to point out the applications where the shortcomings are greatest is also given.