The galactic distribution of pulsars

A recent survey covering 1.5 sr close to the plane of the Galaxy yielded a uniform sample of 51 pulsars. This sample has now been analysed to give the distribution of pulsars in four parameters: galactocentric distance, distance from the galactic plane, period and luminosity. The total number of pulsars in the Galaxy is estimated as at least $$2.5 \times 10^{5},$$ implying a minimum birthrate of one every 18 yr. This is substantially higher than that expected from a simple origin in supernova explosions.