Odd generators of the mod 3 cohomology of finite \(H\)-spaces (Q1570022)

The authors derive a formula about the action of the Steenrod operation \({\mathcal P}^1\) on certain odd degree generators in the mod 3 cohomology of a mod 3 finite \(H\)-space \(X\) with associative mod 3 homology. Although there are formulas relating the action of the Steenrod algebra on the even degree algebra generators, not much is known about its action on odd degree generators beyond the result of \textit{A. Zabrodsky} [Isr. J. Math. 33, 59-72 (1979; Zbl 0417.55013)]. The key ingredients are (1) the construction of a suitable three stage Postnikov system \(E_1\to E_0\to K\to K_1\). (2) the construction of a lift \(f_0:X\to E_0\) of a suitable map \(f:X\to K\), and the construction of a map \(P_3\Omega X\to E_1\) from the third space in the projective space filtration of \(X\), which lifts a modification of the restriction of \(f_0\) by elements in the fiber. The authors intend to use the formula to classify all possible cohomology rings that can occur as the mod 3 cohomology of such \(H\)-spaces \(X\).