On the geometry of curves and conformal geodesics in the Möbius space (Q634702)

The authors investigate conformal geodesics in \(n\)-dimensional Möbius geometry, extending work by \textit{E. Musso} [Math. Nachr. 165, 107--131 (1994; Zbl 0883.53012)]. After a brief review of Möbius geometry, an introduction to the Frenet-Serret formalism for curves in the conformal \(n\)-sphere is given, using the moving frame method. Relations between the conformal and Euclidean invariants of a curve are established. A conformal fundamental theorem for curves is provided. Conformal geodesics are considered as critical curves of the conformal arc-length functional and the corresponding Euler-Lagrange equations are derived. As a main result the authors prove that every conformal geodesic in \(n\)-dimensional Möbius geometry is, in fact, contained in a conformal \(4\)-sphere (Thm 5.5). The authors then integrate the Euler-Lagrange equations for the curvatures, thus establishing existence of geodesics that do not lie in a conformal \(3\)-sphere.