Global Transmission Coefficients in Hauser-Feshbach Calculations for   Astrophysics
  The current status of optical potentials employed in the prediction of thermonuclear reaction rates for astrophysics in the Hauser-Feshbach formalism is discussed. Special emphasis is put on $\alpha$+nucleus potentials. A novel approach for the prediction of $\alpha$+nucleus potentials is proposed. Further experimental efforts are motivated. 
T. Rauscher