Saturn Shadow across Its Rings

Saturn's rings cross the scene in a broad pale sweep, then disappear into the planet's shadow. Cream and amber cloud bands curve around the globe, while a few tiny moons sit against the black field beyond. The shadow gives the ring system a strong change from lit ice to darkened ice.

Use the planet's curved bands first, keeping their direction in mind as they narrow toward the edge. Ring pieces are easier to separate by texture. Bright fragments show small flecks, while the shadowed pieces carry a cooler, smoother gray. Tiny moons are useful only after their surrounding sky has a shape, so leave them for the late stages.