Chilean configuration of conics, lines and points

Abstract

Using the theory of rational elliptic fibrations, we construct and discuss a one parameter family of configurations of $12$ conics and $9$ points in the projective plane that realizes an abstract configuration $(12_6,9_8)$. This is analogous to the famous Hesse configuration of $12$ lines and $9$ points forming an abstract configuration $(12_3,9_4)$. We also show that any Halphen elliptic fibration of index $2$ with four triangular singular fibers arises from such configuration of conics.

36 pages, 2 figures