Rigorous and Phenomenological Equations of State

For solar and stellar modeling, a high-quality equation of state is crucial. But the inverse is also true: the astrophysical data (helioseismic today, asteroseismic tomorrow) put constraints on the physical formalisms, making the Sun and the stars laboratories for plasma physics. One of the main astrophysical benefits from a good equation of state is an improved abundance determination. Recent theoretical progress in the equation of state has involved both rigorous and phenomenological approaches, giving the user a considerable choice.