Squaring the Magic

TL;DR

This paper classifies all Magic Squares related to Euclidean and Lorentzian rank-3 simple Jordan algebras, revealing new configurations and elucidating their role as symmetries in supergravity theories across various space-time signatures.

Contribution

It introduces 17 novel Magic Squares associated with different algebraic structures and clarifies their significance as symmetry groups in supergravity and string theory compactifications.

Findings

Discovered 7 new Euclidean and 10 new Lorentzian Magic Squares.

Linked Magic Squares to symmetries in Einstein-Maxwell and supergravity theories.

Identified roles of non-compact Lie algebra forms in physical models.

Abstract

We construct and classify all possible Magic Squares (MS's) related to Euclidean or Lorentzian rank-3 simple Jordan algebras, both on normed division algebras and split composition algebras. Besides the known Freudenthal-Rozenfeld-Tits MS, the single-split G\"unaydin-Sierra-Townsend MS, and the double-split Barton-Sudbery MS, we obtain other 7 Euclidean and 10 Lorentzian novel MS's. We elucidate the role and the meaning of the various non-compact real forms of Lie algebras, entering the MS's as symmetries of theories of Einstein-Maxwell gravity coupled to non-linear sigma models of scalar fields, possibly endowed with local supersymmetry, in D = 3, 4 and 5 space-time dimensions. In particular, such symmetries can be recognized as the U-dualities or the stabilizers of scalar manifolds within space-time with standard Lorentzian signature or with other, more exotic signatures, also relevant to suitable compactifications of the so-called M*- and M'- theories. Symmetries pertaining to some attractor U-orbits of magic supergravities in Lorentzian space-time also arise in this framework.