\(\mathbb{Z}_2\)-indices and Hedetniemi's conjecture (Q2324631)

The \(\mathbb{Z}_2\)-index \(\mathrm{ind}(X)\) of a \(\mathbb{Z}_2\)-CW-complex \(X\) is the smallest integer \(n\) such that there is a \(\mathbb{Z}_2\)-equivariant map from \(X\) to \(\mathbb{S}^n\), where \(\mathbb{S}^n\) is equipped with the antipodal \(\mathbb{Z}_2\)-action. The \(\mathbb{Z}_2\)-index is an invariant of a space equipped with an involution, and first appeared in the work of \textit{P. E. Conner} and \textit{E. E. Floyd} in [Bull. Am. Math. Soc. 66, 416--441 (1960; Zbl 0106.16301)]. Later, many more general indices were defined for arbitrary compact Lie groups using equivariant cohomology. On the other hand, the long standing Hedetniemi's conjecture in graph theory concerns the chromatic numbers of tensor products of graphs. The purpose of this interesting and well-written paper is to relate Hedetniemi's conjecture to \(\mathbb{Z}_2\)-indices of product spaces. More precisely, the author proves that if Hedetniemi's conjecture is true, then \(\mathrm{ind}(X \times Y) = \min\{\mathrm{ind}(X),~\mathrm{ind}(Y)\}\) for every pair \(X\) and \(Y\) of finite \(\mathbb{Z}_2\)-complexes.