Parkes observations for project P1039 semester 2020APRS_08

Rotating Radio Transients (RRATs) are a group of sporadically emitting neutron stars. Their erratic single-pulse emission makes them hard to detect and consequently, our knowledge of even the basic parameters of the population is lacking. Here we propose an ambitious project to systematically review the spectral and rotational parameters of a large fraction (29) of the known RRAT population in the southern hemisphere, roughly 90 per cent of those that are well localised. Our project plays to the strengths of the newly commissioned Parkes UWL receiver and backend system, its wide 3.3-GHz instantaneous frequency coverage, excellent sensitivity and ability to coherently remove the effects of dispersion in the interstellar medium. The data will enable us to measure their absolute calibrated flux densities, polarimetric profiles, spectral behaviour, detection rates, inter-pulse waiting times and rotational parameters. Our measurements are crucial to understanding whether the RRATs form a distinct class from the ordinary radio pulsars and will inform observations and RRAT yields of surveys at upcoming facilities. Additionally, they will elucidate any potential relationship with pulses from repeating Fast Radio Bursts.