EMMI workshop: Neutron Matter in Astrophysics: From Neutron Stars to the r-Process

Recently we have shown that neutron capture rates on nuclei near stability can significantly influence the r-process abundance pattern. We discuss the different mechanisms by which the abundance pattern is sensitive to the capture rates and identify key nuclei whose rates are of particular importance. We compare the behavior of the system in different astrophysical conditions, e.g. an equilibrium ("hot") and non-equilibrium ("cold") r-process. We consider the A=80, A=130, and the rare earth peak.