The optical morphology of the R AQR jet.

An optical map of the inner nebulosity of the active symbiotic star R Aqr, taken in near UV light with a 1-arcsec resolution, is presented and compared with previous observations, especially a radio VLA 6cm map. The map confirms the existence of a counterjet feature and brings new evidence for bipolar ejection. An upper limit to the velocity of the knots in the jet is obtained. As a result, the recent appearence of this bright jet, at least of its external condensation B, is probably due to some other mechanism than actual, recent matter ejection, perhaps sudden ionization by the variable hot central component.