Here are 3 video tutorials in 3d studio max on how to create a realistic planet earth, with clouds, atmosphere, and moon. I also have these tutorials that you can download in higher quality from my website.
part one: Creating the surface & Clouds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSlkuEfFgsc
part two: Creating the atmosphere
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99sD09EcU3U
Part three: Create the moon and final touches
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1B_EVGjLXg
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www.video-fx-universe.com
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Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
YouTube - create planet earth in 3ds max part 1
YouTube - create planet earth in 3ds max part 2
YouTube - create planet earth in 3ds max part 3
I hope my comments can help you out. You are going to need bigger maps if you want true HD. Those maps work fine for more distant shots, but for close ups, they just wont cut it.
You may want to center your spheres using the transform tool, rather than winging it.:thumb:
Using the specular maps available online, as well as the bump and night maps will add to the realism of your final product.
Using a bump of 30 will again not hold up well in close shots, so you may want to tinker with that
I feel you atmosphere is way to bright. If you look on google images, you will find many pics of the earth. Although hard to truly tell watching the compressed tutorial version on You Tube, it will give you some idea to how it looks. Of course there are also many members planets online here to see as well. Deks's tutorial is one to perhaps have a look at to see comparisons, and to offer some tweaks on you own vision. Ive worked on planets on and off for about 8 or 9 years ..............and Im still tinkering. I think you are defiantly heading in the right direction though. Azz will no doubt have some clear cut ideas for you .......................his knowledge on this subject is formidable.
Good luck with it all , keep tweaking.......... and again congrats on your efforts.:thumb: