The configurations of the M-curves of degree (4,4) in \({\mathbb{R}}{\mathbb{P}}^ 1\times {\mathbb{R}}{\mathbb{P}}^ 1\) and periods of real K3 surfaces (Q2277534)

M-curves in \({\mathbb{R}}{\mathbb{P}}1\times {\mathbb{R}}{\mathbb{P}}^ 1\) of bidegree (4,4) the components of which are all contractible are studied. As it is known, in this case, the number of ovals is 10 and the possible configuration types are \(\frac{1}{1}8, \frac{5}{1}4, \frac{9}{1}\). M-curves of bidegree (4,4) and type \(\frac{1}{1}8\) can be constructed by the Harnack method. In the paper under review M-curves of bidegree (4,4) and types \(\frac{5}{1}4, \frac{9}{1}\) are obtained. One of the tools for the proof is a sufficient condition for a K3 surface with antiholomorphic involution to be a 2-sheeted covering of \({\mathbb{R}}{\mathbb{P}}^ 1\times {\mathbb{R}}{\mathbb{P}}^ 1\) branched along curves of bidegree (4,4).