Uniqueness of the mean field equation and rigidity of Hawking mass (Q1725715)

It is proven that the even solutions of the mean field equation given by $\Delta u=\lambda(1-\mathrm{e}^u)$ on the unit sphere have to be axially symmetric provided $4<\lambda \leq 8$ is assumed. The authors show that the even solution for $\lambda=6$ is the trivial one. This in turn signifies the rigidity of Hawking mass for a stable constant mean curvature sphere with even symmetry.