Uniqueness of the Mean Field Equation and Rigidity of Hawking Mass

Abstract

In this paper, we prove that the even solution of the mean field equation $\Delta u=\lambda(1-e^u) $ on $S^2$ must be axially symmetric when $4<\lambda \leq 8$. In particular, zero is the only even solution for $\lambda=6$. This implies the rigidity of Hawking mass for stable constant mean curvature(CMC) sphere with even symmetry.