Normal projective surfaces with \(\rho = 1, P_{-1}\geqslant 5\) (Q1313438)

The author, motivated by his previous research concerning the degenerations of the projective plane [see J. Reine Angew. Math. 419, 89- 118 (1991; Zbl 0719.14023)], in the paper under review studies the normal projective surfaces \(X\) with Picard number one and \((-1)\)-genus \(\geq 5\). One of the consequences of the results proved is the following: Theorem. If \(X\) is a surface as above having at worst rational singularities, then \(X\) has at most one non-cyclic singularity. -- Moreover, if \(X\) has only cyclic singularities then \(X\) has at most three singular points. Further information about the degenerations of the projective plane are also given.