Narrow-band imaging of the inner R Aquarii nebula - Further evidence for shock excitation

The jetlike nebulosity in the inner regions of the symbiotic variable R Aqr was imaged through narrow-band interference filters. A high spatial resolution image in the forbidden N II 6583 A line shows that the relative fluxes of features B and D defined by Paresce et al. (1988) have changed in the sense of a higher D/B brightness ratio at this line in a little over a year with respect to that observed previously in similar seeing conditions. The overall morphology of the jet has remained stable in this period. Line ratios for feature B are presented which can be best understood in terms of excitation of gas clumps surrounding R Aqr by a moving shock. Comparison of the observed fluxes with theoretical expectations yields shock velocity of order 90-100 km/s, a preshock gas density of roughly 10/cu cm, and a gas temperature of roughly 10,000 K. 26 refs