Molecular Gas Near Unusual Galactic Center Radio Source N3

Near the Galactic center, the presence of the supermassive black hole, high dust temperatures, and large densities produce an unique environment within our galaxy. Unfortunately, optical light in this region is obscured by dust, making optical observations difficult or impossible. By utilizing radio telescopes, we can peer through the dust to examine the inner workings of this fascinating region. Using the Very Large Array, we examined the Galactic center radio source N3, a point source located within the Radio Arc. Our observations examined both molecular line and continuum emission from the region at frequencies from 2 GHz to 49 GHz. Several molecular species are detected around N3. Using molecular line analysis, N3's spectral index, physical size limits, and possible interactions between N3 and the Radio Arc, we examine the physical nature of N3 and outline further work needed to complete the analysis of this interesting source