The first results on new optical data for R Aquarii (based on observations obtained with the 2.5m INT, the 2.5m NOT and the 3.5m NTT) are presented. The morphology and kinematics of the nebula, based on data obtained with the NTT from 1991 to 2000, are discussed. Physical parameters of the outer nebula and the knotty jet are derived using spectra obtained with the INT in 2001. From the analysis of all these data we propose that the spectacular knotty inner structure of R Aqr could result from the interaction of a highly collimated pulsating young jet with the older hourglass inner nebula.
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