February 2022 Challenge: Astraveon Prime

[XCali]

hi all!

This is my first foray into a solar system map. Exciting times!

Here is the base layout for the system called Astraveon Prime.
### Latest WIP ###
Astraveon Prime_v1.jpeg

I'm still thinking about if I want more broken worlds outside the main orbits.

[XCali]

So, to better blend the planets into the orbits, I used a layer mask with the base system on a layer below it. Then I placed a SHADOW layer above the planets and added those cast shadows.



### Latest WIP ###
Astraveon Prime_v2c.jpeg

[Simkin]

Really nice map Xcali, the shadows, the planets, and this beautiful interplanetary gas. The only nitpick is that the star seem to be at the horizon, not in the middle of the system.

[XCali]

Really nice map Xcali, the shadows, the planets, and this beautiful interplanetary gas. The only nitpick is that the star seem to be at the horizon, not in the middle of the system.

Thank you!

And yeah! That's a very valid point. I just changed it. The next run will have it better represented.

[Greason Wolfe]

In agreement with Simkin. Nice work so far, but that sun not quite sitting on the plane with the planets looks a little odd.

[XCali]

Hellooooe!

Okay, so I shifted the sun to the side and added a glow to the dust to depict it's location a bit better. Tell me if it solves the problem.
Also added some ships and odds.

### Latest WIP ###
Astraveon Prime_v3.jpeg

[Simkin]

Hi Xcali, you are doing a great job, but to me the sun is above the plane of the planets. It is like planets are orbiting around something invisible rigth down the star. I don't know if I was clear... But GW said the same.

[epson]

Hi,
I like the super detailed planets and the map has a nice atmosphere.
Some parts of the map look, as if they lost some information due to compression(?).
Maybe you can find a star background that matches the detail depth of your planets (or you paint/build one).
The idea of a whole system that has rings like Saturn is very cool though.

[Greason Wolfe]

Yep. That's the thing I am seeing. All of the planets are embedded in the orbital plane, but the central star looks like it is floating above the plane. Not sure how easy that will be for you to adjust/fix. Other than that, everything is looking good.

[XCali]

Interesting challenge dropping the sun and making it blend.

But, I got there eventually.

### Latest WIP ###
Astraveon Prime_v4.jpeg


For this one I also wanted to try out adding a galaxy's arm. Let me know how it fits.