The Unusual Galactic Center Radio Source N3
  Here we report on new, multi-wavelength radio observations of the unusual
point source "N3" that appears to be located in the vicinity of the Galactic
Center. VLA observations between 2 and 50 GHz reveal that N3 is a compact and
bright source (56 mJy at 10 GHz) with a non-thermal spectrum superimposed upon
the non-thermal radio filaments (NTFs) of the Radio Arc. Our highest frequency
observations place a strict upper limit of 65 x 28 mas on the size of N3. We
compare our observations to those of Yusef-Zadeh & Morris (1987) and Lang et
al. (1997) and conclude that N3 is variable over long time scales.
Additionally, we present the detection of a compact molecular cloud located
adjacent to N3 in projection. CH3CN, CH3OH, CS, HC3N, HNCO, SiO, SO, and NH3
are detected in the cloud and most transitions have FWHM line widths of ~20
km/s. The rotational temperature determined from the metastable NH3 transitions
ranges from 79 K to 183 K depending on the transitions used. We present
evidence that this molecular cloud is interacting with N3. After exploring the
relationship between the NTFs, molecular cloud, and N3, we conclude that N3
likely lies within the Galactic Center. We are able to rule out the HII region,
young supernova, active star, AGN, and micro-quasar hypotheses for N3. While a
micro-blazar may provide a viable explanation for N3, additional observations
are needed to determine the physical counterpart of this mysterious source.
