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

Neutron-capture elements often are extremely overabundant in metal-poor halo stars. In some cases we have been able to determine accurate abundances or significant upper limits to over 30 elements with Z>30. These detailed abundance distributions can provide significant constraints on neutron- capture nucleosynthesis predictions. But how well do we really know the neutron-capture abundances? What can we trust, and what must be viewed with a lot of caution? In this talk, the view from a stellar spectroscopist's perspective, I will try to demonstrate which abundances are probably rock-solid, which have significant uncertainties, and which are more hopeful than assured. Cautions for the consumer, and suggested avenues for future improvements will be provided.