NGTS-3

NGTS-3 is a hot Jupiter exoplanet orbiting the star NGTS-3 located approximately 728 parsecs (2,370 light-years) away in the constellation Pictor. The exoplanet was discovered in 2017 by the Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS).

NGTS-3b, as the planet is formally known, is a gas giant approximately 2.36 times the mass of Jupiter and 1.31 times Jupiter's radius. It orbits its host star extremely closely, with an orbital period of just 16 hours. This short period classifies it as an ultra-short period (USP) planet. The extremely close proximity to its star also results in a very high equilibrium temperature.

The host star, NGTS-3, is a late F-type or early G-type star somewhat more massive and hotter than the Sun.

The discovery of NGTS-3b was significant due to its relatively large mass compared to other USP planets, providing valuable data for understanding the formation and evolution of gas giants in extreme environments. The planet's short period and relatively bright host star make it a target for follow-up observations to characterize its atmosphere and potentially search for atmospheric escape.