The importance of nuclear masses in the astrophysical rp-process

The importance of mass measurements for astrophysical capture processes in general, and for the rp-process in X-ray bursts in particular is discussed. A review of the current uncertainties in the effective lifetimes of the major waiting points Ge-64, Se-68, and Kr-72 demonstrates that despite of recent measurements uncertainties are still significant. It is found that mass measurements with an accuracy of the order of 10 keV or better are desirable, and that reaction rate uncertainties play a critical role as well. (C) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.