Symmetric Spaces in Supergravity

Abstract

We exploit the relation among irreducible Riemannian globally symmetric spaces (IRGS) and supergravity theories in 3, 4 and 5 space-time dimensions. IRGS appear as scalar manifolds of the theories, as well as moduli spaces of the various classes of solutions to the classical extremal black hole Attractor Equations. Relations with Jordan algebras of degree three and four are also outlined.Comment: 1+23 pages, 15 Tables. Contribution to the Proceedings of the Conference "Symmetry in Mathematics and Physics", 18-20 Jan. 2008, IPAM (UCLA), in celebration of V. S. Varadarajan's 70th Birthda