The R Aquarii system at optical and radio wavelengths.

New continuum observations of all radio components of the R Aquarii system at 2, 6, and 20 cm are reported which allow determination of polarization properties, integrated flux levels, spectral indices, and hence the emission mechanisms of the individual components. Complementary wide-band optical observations are also reported to help determine the nature and structure of the compact double radio source (CDRS) and the R Aquarii radio jet. The results of these observations are discussed in detail with regard to models currently or previously proposed for the R Aquarii system. It is concluded that the compact H II region spectral index is about +0.6, indicative of a thermal and optically thick expanding wind from the long-period variable. The radio jet emission is shown to be optically thin, thermal, cospatial with optical emission, and stable over the last few years. The CDRS is shown to be an extragalactic background object.