NGTS-1b

NGTS-1b is a hot Jupiter exoplanet orbiting the star NGTS-1. It was discovered in 2017 by the Next-Generation Transit Survey (NGTS), a wide-field survey designed to discover transiting exoplanets, using an array of telescopes located at the Paranal Observatory in Chile.

NGTS-1b is notable for being a relatively large gas giant planet orbiting a small, dim M-dwarf star. Its size is comparable to that of Jupiter, while its host star is significantly smaller and less massive than our Sun. This size disparity between the planet and its star was considered somewhat unusual and challenged existing planet formation theories, prompting further research into the planet and its system.

The planet has a short orbital period of approximately 2.6 days, meaning it orbits very closely to its star. This close proximity results in extremely high temperatures, classifying it as a hot Jupiter. Due to the tidal forces exerted by the star, NGTS-1b is likely tidally locked, with one side always facing the star.

The discovery of NGTS-1b provided valuable data for understanding the formation and evolution of planets around low-mass stars and highlighted the capabilities of ground-based transit surveys like NGTS in detecting such objects. Further study of NGTS-1b continues to contribute to our knowledge of exoplanetary systems and planetary formation processes.