The RRATalog: a Galactic census of rotating radio transients

Abstract Rotating radio transients (RRATs) represent a significant but poorly understood component of the Galactic neutron star population, characterized by sporadic emission first detectable only through single-pulse searches. We present the RRATalog, an up-to-date catalogue of 335 RRATs, and utilize a uniform sample of RRATs discovered in four Parkes telescope surveys to model their Galactic population. Accounting in detail for observational selection effects, we find a radial density profile similar to pulsars, but identify a significantly steeper luminosity function (power-law index α ≃ −1.3) than previously assumed. For sources beaming towards Earth, we estimate 34000 ± 1600 potentially observable RRATs above a peak luminosity of 30 mJy kpc2. At these high luminosities, the RRAT population is comparable in size to that of canonical pulsars. Consistent with the observed distribution, the underlying period distribution is significantly shifted toward longer periods compared to canonical pulsars, suggesting RRATs represent a more evolved population. We find evidence for a turnover in the luminosity function below 30 mJy kpc2, and predict that the total number of potentially observable RRATs is ≲ 70, 000. Applying the Tauris & Manchester beaming model, we estimate the total Galactic RRAT population to be ≲ 400, 000. The implied birth rate of ≲ 1.4 RRATs per century is consistent with the Galactic core-collapse supernova rate, suggesting RRATs can be reconciled with known progenitor rates without requiring a separate evolutionary origin. We provide predictions for RRAT discoveries in ongoing and future surveys.