The Large Scale Radio Structure of R Aquarii

Abstract

Radio continuum observations of the R Aquarii symbiotic star system, using the compact D configuration of the VLA at 6 em wavelength, reveal a large-scale ~2\u27 structure engulfing the binary which has long been known to have a similar optical nebula. This optical/radio nebula possesses - 4 X 10^42 ergs of kinetic energy which is typical of a recurrent nova outburst. Moreover, a cluster of a dozen additional 6 em radio sources were observed in proximity to R Aquarii; most of these discrete sources lie ~3\u27 south and/ or west of R Aquarii and, coupled with previous 20 cm data, spectral indices limits suggest a thermal nature for some of these sources. If the thermal members of the cluster are associated with R Aquarii, it may indicate a prehistoric eruption of the system\u27s suspected recurrent nova. The nonthermal cluster members may be extragalactic background radio sources

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