The complex of non-separating embedded spheres (Q2514554)

Let \(M\) be the \(3\)-manifold \(\sharp_n S^2 \times S^1\). An embedded sphere \(S\) in \(M\) is called \textit{non-separating} if \(M-S\) is connected. Let \(NS(M)\) be the complex of non-separating embedded spheres in \(M\). The group \(Out(F_n)\) acts on \(NS(M)\). Let \(Aut(NS(M))\) denote the group of simplicial automorphisms of \(NS(M)\). The main result of the article under review states that \(Aut(NS(M))\) is isomorphic to \(Out(F_n)\). The proof of the result relies on an embedded copy inside \(NS(M)\) of the spine \(K_n\) of the reduced outer space \(cv_n\) and a lemma that shows that the spine \(K_n\) is invariant under the group \(Aut(NS(M))\). The ideas and techniques of the present paper are motivated by the paper [\textit{J. Aramayona} and \textit{J. Souto}, Mich. Math. J. 60, No. 3, 483--493 (2011; Zbl 1242.05117)] where the authors have proved a similar result for the sphere complex \(S(M)\) associated to \(M\).