A classification of subgroups of the Monster isomorphic to \(S_4\) and an application. (Q932849)

The Monster \(\mathbb{M}\) is the largest of the 26 sporadic simple groups. There are still many holes to be filled in our knowledge of its structure. For example, the maximal subgroups are yet to be completely determined. There are eleven isomorphism types of simple (possible) subgroups of \(\mathbb{M}\) which have not been fully classified. There are also many small local subgroups, e.g. \(S_4\), that are not classified either. In the paper under review, the author classifies all subgroups of the Monster isomorphic to \(S_4\). Then he uses this classification to prove that there are no maximal subgroups of the Monster with socles isomorphic to \(\text{PSU}_3(3)\), \(\text{PSL}_3(3)\), \(\text{PSL}_2(17)\), or \(\text{PSL}_2(7)\).