Hermitian structures on Hermitian symmetric spaces (Q1801606)

The authors prove that the only compact Riemannian symmetric spaces \(M\) which admit a complex structure \(J\) compatible with the invariant metric are the Hermitian spaces. In this case, \(J\) is also invariant. By using previous results of Brustall, Rawnsley and Obrian, the authors prove that \(M\) must be Hermitian symmetric. As a consequence, \(S^ 6\) has no complex structure compatible with the round metric, a result which was proved at first by Lebrun. At the end of the paper, the authors give applications to the stability of harmonic maps from a compact Riemannian manifold to a compact irreducible Hermitian space.