An affine open covering of \({\mathcal{M}_g}\) for \(g \leq 5\) (Q431050)

Let \(\mathcal{M}_{g,n}\) be the moduli space of smooth curves with \(n\) marked points. In [Invent. Math. 84, 157--176 (1986; Zbl 0592.57009)], \textit{J. L. Harer} proved that \(H_k(\mathcal{M}_{g,n})\) vanishes if \(k>4g-4+n\) if \(n>0\) and if \(k>4g-5\) if \(n=0\). It is expectable, as one can confirm for instance by Problem (6.5) of [\textit{R. Hain} and \textit{E. Looijenga}, Proc. Symp. Pure Math. 62(pt.2), 97--142 (1997; Zbl 0914.14013)], that Harer's vanishing result is a particular instance of deeper geometrical properties of the moduli space \(\mathcal{M}_g\). For example, there is a conjecture of E. Looijenga which states that \(\mathcal{M}_g\) is a union of \(g-1\) affine open subsets (see the survey of \textit{C. Faber} and \textit{E. Looijenga} [in: Moduli of curves and abelian varieties. The Dutch intercity seminar on moduli. Braunschweig: Vieweg. Aspects Math. E33, 23--45 (1999; Zbl 0978.14028)]). In the paper under review, the authors prove this conjecture for \(2\leq g\leq 5\), using methods coming from the theory of modular forms.