Atomic and Molecular Data: Division B / Commission 14

TL;DR

This paper reviews the history and evolution of the IAU Commission 14, which focused on atomic and molecular data for astronomy, and discusses its transition to a new Commission on Laboratory Astrophysics.

Contribution

It documents the historical role of Commission 14 and introduces the new Commission on Laboratory Astrophysics as its successor.

Findings

Commission 14 operated for nearly a century in atomic and molecular data.

The field remains vital to astronomical research and data analysis.

A new Commission on Laboratory Astrophysics has been established.

Abstract

Commission 14 has been operating for almost a century. It was one of the 32 Standing IAU Commissions and established in 1919. The main purpose of Commission 14 is to foster interactions between the astronomical community and those conducting research on atoms, molecules, and solid state particles to provide data vital to reducing and analysing astronomical observations and performing theoretical investigations. Although Commission 14 terminated at the Honolulu General Assembly, the field Atomic and Molecular Data remains with the IAU. By call of the IAU, the Commission 14 OC initiated a proposal for a new Commission on Laboratory Astrophysics that was approved. Commission on Laboratory Astrophysics will be a natural evolution of Commission 14.