Zero-dimensional \(\sigma \)-homogeneous spaces (Q6073909)

All spaces are assumed to be separable and metrizable. A~space~\(X\) is homogeneous if for every \(x,y\in X\) there is a~homeomorphism \(h:X\to X\) such that \(h(x)=y\). A~space~\(X\) is \(\sigma\)-homogeneous if it is the union of countably many homogeneous subspaces. A~space~\(X\) is strongly homogeneous if every non-empty clopen subspace of~\(X\) is homeomorphic to~\(X\). \(X\)~is rigid if \(|X|\ge2\) and the only homeomorphism is the identity. In [\textit{F. van Engelen} et al., Contemp. Math. 65, 199--222 (1987; Zbl 0646.03045)] the authors have proved that if V = L, there exist analytic and coanalytic zero-dimensional rigid spaces and if AD holds, there is no zero-dimensional rigid space. It is an open problem whether every analytic zero-dimensional space is \(\sigma\)-homogeneous. \textit{A. Ostrovsky} [Arch. Math. Logic 50, No. 5--6, 661--664 (2011; Zbl 1230.03078)] proved that every zero-dimensional Borel space is \(\sigma\)-homogeneous. Inspired by the last result the authors prove in the reviewed article the following theorems: (1) Assuming AD every zero-dimensional space can be written as a~countable disjoint union of closed strongly homogeneous subspaces; in particular every zero-dimensional space is \(\sigma\)-homogeneous. (2) In ZFC there exists a~zero-dimensional space that is not \(\sigma\)-homogeneous. (3) Assuming \(V = L\) there exists a~coanalytic zero-dimensional space that is not \(\sigma\)-homogeneous. They introduce two notions of hereditary rigidity, and give alternative proofs of results of van Engelen, Miller and Steel [\textit{F. van Engelen} et al., Contemp. Math. 65, 199--222 (1987; Zbl 0646.03045)].