CompuServe Messages

Hi Lee, I've used that cloud technique a few times, almost exactly as you are. I expect you've already put the cloud map in as an opacity map, but you don't want to use it as a texture map because the clouds will start to darken where the map fades to black (where the cloud "edge" fades), just define the color of your clouds with the material's standard surface color definition. And, the best thing about this technique is that Raytraced Shadows _will_ calculate the opacity values properly and give you shadows cast on the planet _only_ below where the clouds are. (One of my favorite "simple" planet effects.) In that case you want to leave the object's shadow casting attribute ON. Note: you _will_ take a significant hit in rendering time when doing this. Enjoy, – Ron