034 I Scientific Highlights

Nuclear star clusters (NSCs) are ubiquitous in galaxies and appear as compact clusters at the dynamical centers of their host galaxies [1]. They show mixed stellar populations and their spectra indicate recent events of star formation. However, it is impossible to resolve external NSCs in order to examine the relevant processes. The Milky Way NSC, on the other hand, is close enough to be resolved into its individual stars and presents therefore a unique template for NSCs in general. Young, massive stars have been found by AO assisted, systematic spectroscopic studies at projected distances R < 0.5 pc from the supermassive black hole Sgr A * (e.g., [2]). In recent years, increasing evidence has been found for the presence of young, massive stars also at R> 0.5 pc (e.g., [3]). Our goal is a systematic search for young