The class group pairing and $p$-descent on elliptic curves

Abstract

We give explicit formulae for the logarithmic class group pairing on an elliptic curve defined over a number field. Then we relate it to the descent relative to a suitable cyclic isogeny. This allows us to connect the resulting Selmer group with the logarithmic class group of the base. These constructions are explicit and suitable for computer experimentation. From a conceptual point of view, the questions that arise here are analogues of "visibility" questions in the sense of Cremona and Mazur.

28 pages, LaTeX