  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
IRS8, 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.
