Non-existence of affine structures on Seifert fibre spaces (Q1318093)

Let \(M\) be a circle bundle over a surface of genus \(\geq 2\). We prove that \(M\) cannot be an affinely flat unimodular manifold. By passing to finite covering, the same result is true if \(M\) is a Seifert fibre space with hyperbolic base. As a corollary if furthermore the first Betti number \(b_ 1(M)\) is zero then there is no affine structure on \(M\). This is for example the case of the Brieskorn manifolds. The main question of existence of affine structures on a nontrivial circle bundle over a surface of genus \(\geq 2\) remains open.