Finite groups with six or seven automorphism orbits (Q2406663)

The orbits of the natural action of \(\mathrm{Aut}(G)\) on \(G\) are called automorphism orbits of \(G\), and the number of automorphism orbits of \(G\) is denoted by \(\omega(G)\). In the present paper, the finite nonsolvable groups \(G\) with \(\omega(G)\leq 6\) are classified; it turns out (as conjectured in earlier papers) that the group \(\mathrm{ASL}(2, \mathbb F_4)\) represents the only isomorphism type of non-solvable finite groups with less than seven automorphism orbits. This solves an open problem stated by \textit{M. Stroppel} [J. Group Theory 4, 427--455 (2001; Zbl 0999.22006)]. The author's proof depends on Zhang's classification of AT-groups and on Suzuki's classification of CIT-groups. Complementing the result, it is proved that there are infinitely many finite non-solvable groups \(G\) with \(\omega(G) = 7\). Moreover, generalizing a result of \textit{S. Kohl} [Commun. Algebra 32, No. 12, 4785--4794 (2004; Zbl 1077.20023)], the authors prove: For a given number \(n\) there are only finitely many finite groups \(G\) without nontrivial abelian normal subgroups and such that \(\omega(G) \leq n.\)