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01 | Make Space
Name the default layer in your document SPACE. Use the Rectangle Tool to draw a rectangle that covers the artboard. Click the > key (Greater-Than Sign) to apply a gradient fill. Set the stroke color to none. Adjust the settings and values in the Gradient palette (Window > Gradient) to match those below. Note the angle setting.
02 | Create Your World
Lock this layer and press Ctrl/Cmd + L to create a new layer above it. Name the new layer PLANET. In the toolbox, set the fill color to black and the stroke color to none.
Select the Ellipse Tool and click on the artboard. In the dialog that appears, enter a value of 180 for both width and height. Click OK.
03 | The Ring
In the Layers palette option menu, choose Duplicate "PLANET" to create a new layer above PLANET. Rename the new layer as RINGS and lock PLANET.
Open the Transform palette (Window > Transform), select the circle and enter 365 in the width box and 80 in the height box.
Change the fill of this ellipse to green (R:22 G:139 B:0) and make a copy of it (Ctrl/Cmd + C). Paste the copy in front of the other using Edit > Paste In Front (Ctrl/Cmd + F).
In the Transform palette, enter 315 for width and 40 for height. Fill the ellipse with a bright green for contrast (R:0 G:255 B:51).
04 | Modify the Ring
Hold down the Shift key and drag the bright green ellipse toward the top edge of the green ellipse below but leave a bit of space between them. The intent is to have the ring around the planet appear narrower as it wraps behind the planet.
Click an empty area of the artboard to deselect the ellipse. Change over to the Direct Selection Tool (the white arrow) and select the anchor point at the top of the bright green ellipse. Activate Smart Guides (View > Smart Guides) to help you. You've made a successful selection when direction handles appear on each side of the anchor point.
Press the Up Arrow key 5 to 6 times to move the anchor point up and match the reference image.
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