High Spatial Resolution VLA Observations of the R Aquarii Jet

High spatial resolution observations (~1 ) of the jet feature associated with the symbiotic variable R Aquarii were obtained with the Very Large Array (VLA). The peak radio intensity of the jet lies at a 29~3 P.A. with respect to the radio emission from R Aquarii itself. If the line defined by the jet and star is extended ~196 , it intercepts a previously reported and heretofore unresolved radio source. In our high spatial resolution 6 cm map, this feature is resolved into a compact double radio source, whose peak intensity lies on an axis defined by the jet and star. The possible association of this feature with R Aquarii or with the extended filamentary nebula that surrounds the system cannot be determined from these radio morphology studies alone. If this feature is associated with R Aquarii, it may represent ejecta from the system which occurred previously. Moreover, a new unresolved radio feature has been detected - 2\u27\u27:7 from the central star at - 45° P.A. It may represent material recently ejected from the system, perhaps as the object precesses. Weak evidence for a counter-jet is suggested from radio contours centered on R Aquarii