SIMBAD references

Using adaptive optics at the Gemini North telescope, we have obtained a K-band spectrum of the star near the center of the luminous Galactic center bow shock IRS 8, as well as a spectrum of the bow shock itself. The stellar spectrum contains emission and absorption lines characteristic of an O5-O6 giant or supergiant. The wind from such a star is fully capable of producing the observed bow shock. However, both the early spectral type and the apparently young age of the star, if it is single, mark it as unique among hot stars within 1 pc of the center.