Singularities with \(\mathbb{G}_m\)-action and the log minimal model program for \(\overline{\mathcal{M}}_g\) (Q346738)

The log minimal model program (log MMP) on the moduli space \(\overline{\mathcal{M}}_g\) of stable genus \(g\) curves (also known as the Hassett-Keel program) can produce new birational models of \(\overline{\mathcal{M}}_g\) with modular meanings, i.e. parameterizing curves with various singularities. In this very interesting paper, the authors give a precise formulation of this modularity principle. They also define a new invariant of Gorenstein curve singularities with \(\mathbb G_m\)-action and use it to predict at which stage a singularity first arises in the log MMP. They work out a number of examples, including all ADE, toric planar, and unibranch Gorenstein singularities, and use these results to give a conjectural outline of the log MMP for \(\overline{\mathcal{M}}_g\).