On extensions of simple real genus action (Q2566482)

If \(G\) is a finite group, then it acts as group of automorphisms of some compact bordered Klein surface of algebraic genus \(p \geq 2\). The minimal of such possible algebraic genus is called the real genus of \(G\) and denoted by \(\rho(G)\). Let \(G\) be a simple group generated by two elements, one of them of order two, and let \(X\) be a compact bordered Klein surface \(X\) of algebraic genus \(\rho(G)\) on which \(G\) acts as group of automorphisms. \textit{C. L. May} [Rocky Mt. J. Math. 31, 539--551 (2001; Zbl 0984.30026)] proved that the index of \(G\) in the full group of automorphisms of \(X\) divides \(4\) and asked for the existence of cases in which the index is exactly \(4\). In this article, the author provides a necessary and sufficient condition for the equality to hold. Such a condition holds for \(G= \text{PSL}(2,p)\), with \(p\) a prime so that \(p \equiv \pm1 \bmod 8\).