The making of Contact, step by step...

step 1 of 10

I built a star field.

step 2 of 10

Then added what I represent as an earth like planet. Simple brown/red and blue texture, Render, Clouds.

step 3 of 10

Added Inner Shadow.

step 4 of 10

Added Outer Glow.

step 5 of 10

Added Inner Glow.

step 6 of 10

Burnt in shadow on Planet to set up sun placement.

step 7 of 10

Added the sun.

step 8 of 10

Added a Moon.

step 9 of 10

Added some clouds to lighten it up a bit.

step 10 of 10

Tweaked Colors, etc. and merged.

final result