Researchers led by Queen's University Belfast, together with collaborators from several countries, have announced the detection of a new exoplanet designated NGTS-38 b. The world lies far beyond our Solar System and circles a distant host star.
NGTS-38 b measures roughly eight percent larger in radius than Jupiter and possesses a mass almost five times that of the gas giant. These characteristics place it firmly in the class of super‑Jupiters, objects that are both sizable and comparatively dense.
The planet completes one orbit around its star in about 180 Earth days, giving it a relatively long period among known super‑Jupiters. Further observations will aim to characterize the host star and refine the planet’s atmospheric properties.
This finding highlights the capability of surveys such as the Next Generation Transit Survey (NGTS) to detect subtle transit signals from faraway stars. NGTS-38 b therefore adds an important data point to the growing catalogue of diverse planetary systems outside our own.