M ‐curves of degree 9 with deep nests

Abstract

The first part of Hilbert's sixteenth problem deals with the classification of the isotopy types realizable by real plane algebraic curves of given degree $m$. For $m \geq 8$, one restricts the study to the case of the $M$-curves. For $m=9$, the classification is still wide open. We say that an $M$-curve of degree 9 has a deep nest if it has a nest of depth 3. In the present paper, we prohibit 10 isotopy types with deep nests and no outer ovals.