The K - band Spectrum of The Hot Star in IRS 8 : An Outsider in the Galactic Center ?

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 bowshock IRS 8, as well as a spectrum of the bowshock 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 bowshock. 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 one parsec of the center.