rotating radio transients

astronomy

Also known as: RRATS

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Last updated

July 20, 2026

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Rotating radio transients (RRATs) are celestial objects that emit single, short bursts of radio waves at irregular intervals, ranging from minutes to hours. The exact cause of RRAT phenomena remains unknown. These objects are a type of neutron star, which are extremely dense remnants of collapsed stars. Neutron stars are typically about 20 km in diameter and possess incredibly strong magnetic fields. While pulsars are also rapidly spinning neutron stars that emit regular pulses of radiation, RRATs are distinguished by their sporadic and unpredictable bursts.12

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neutron star
…also seen as objects called rotating radio transients (RRATs) and as magnetars. The RRATs are sources that emit single radio bursts but at irregular intervals ranging from four minutes to three hours. The cause of the RRAT phenomenon is unknown. Magnetars are highly magnetized neutron stars that have a magnetic…
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…also seen as objects called rotating radio transients (RRATs) and as magnetars. The RRATs are sources that emit single radio bursts but at irregular intervals ranging from four minutes to three hours. The cause of the RRAT phenomenon is unknown. Magnetars are highly magnetized neutron stars that have a magnetic…
Read More