MHB Why Are Holomorphic Mappings on Compact Riemann Surfaces Constant?

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    2016
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Holomorphic mappings on compact connected Riemann surfaces are constant due to the maximum modulus principle, which states that a non-constant holomorphic function cannot achieve its maximum value unless it is constant. The discussion highlights the lack of responses to the posed problem of the week, indicating a challenge in solving it. A solution is provided by the original poster, emphasizing the fundamental properties of holomorphic functions in this context. The thread serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the implications of compactness in complex analysis. Overall, the nature of holomorphic mappings on such surfaces leads to the conclusion that they must be constant.
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Show that the holomorphic mappings on a compact connected Riemann surface are constant.

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Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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No one answered this week's problem. You can read my solution below.
The proof is made simple by applying the open mapping theorem for Riemann surfaces. Let $X$ be a compact connected Riemann surface, and let $f : X\to \Bbb C$ be a holomorphic mapping. By the open mapping theorem, $f(X)$ is open in $\Bbb C$. Since $f$ is continuous and $X$ is compact, $f(X)$ is a compact, hence closed, subset of $\Bbb C$. As $f(X)$ is a nonempty, open and closed subset of the connected set $\Bbb C$, $f(X) = C$. This is a contradiction since $\Bbb C$ is not compact.