Maybe you want to know what we will do in this tutorial, so here it is:

Before getting start, you can go here to download a high resolution image of planet (require a free account to download it) or use the one below

Now let's start our tutorial!

Step 1:Firstly, open and resize your image in Photoshop if it is too large by going to Image > Image Size (you should resize it to 800 pixel width)

Create a new layer and choose the Gradient Tool (G) with the Russell's Rainbow and Linear Gradient options. If you don't know how to get these options, follow the images below:

After having these options draw a straight line from top to bottom of your image

Step 2: Go to Filter > Distort > Polar Coordinates and click on Rectangular to Polar option

Now we had nice rings for our planet! Simple, right?

Step 3: Because our rings are small so we have to enlarge them a bit. Use the Move Tool (V) with the Show Transform Controls checkbox ticked, drag your mouse to have bigger rings

Step 4: Go to Edit > Transform > Perspective and move 2 right points outside

(you should click on the Move Tool and choose Apply to leave this mode)

Step 5: Once again, use the Move Tool with Show Transform Controls to slightly rotate the rings downward

(leave this mode by clicking on the Move Tool and choose Apply too)

Step 6: ^_^ Use the Move Tool one more time to reduce your rings' height

Leave this mode and move it up to the middle of the planet, we are now ready for the next step

Step 7: Use the Eraser Tool (E) with a soft brush to erase the top of the rings

Step 8: Press Ctrl-J to duplicate the current layer and going to Filter > Artistic > Plastic Wrap and use these settings:

Step 9: Change the Blending Mode of the current layer to Screen, notice that some white rings will appear among other rings. Now our image looks more real!

Step 10: Now create a new layer and use the Brush Tool to decorate our rings with anything you like. I used a star shape and get

Step 11: Double click on this layer to open up the Layer Style dialog box. We just need to use Outer Glow for this tutorial

Finished! And here is the final result:

So the main topic of this tutorial is about the Gradient Tool, the Move Tool and some transform effects. You can use them to create many impressive pictures with just a few clicks!

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