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05 | Cookie Cutting
Open the Pathfinder palette (Window > Pathfinder) and then select both ellipses using Ctrl/Cmd + A. Hold down the Alt/Option key as you click on the Subtract command. This command cuts the bright green ellipse from the green one beneath it leaving a ring shape. Works much like a cookie cutter.
So far, we have a black planet with a green ring sitting in front of it. Dullsville! Time to make the rings go around the planet.
Unlock the PLANET layer, make a copy of the circle and then relock and hide the layer.
06 | Wrapping
Select the RINGS layer and paste the copy behind the rings using by pressing Ctrl/Cmd + B. Press Ctrl/Cmd + B again to put another copy on this layer behind all the other objects. In the Transform palette, enter 190 for both width and height and change the fill of this backmost circle to bright green (R:0 G:255 B:51) for contrast with the other shapes.
Select all of the objects (Ctrl/Cmd + A) and click on the Divide command (first icon, second row) in the Pathfinder palette. This cuts the objects into individual pieces wherever they intersect. Since Pathfinder commands group the results, choose Object > Ungroup.
Use the Selection Tool to delete all but the pieces shown below.
In the following image, I've highlighted, in red and blue, shapes you may overlook as you delete. Don't forget about these! Use the Smart Guides to find and select the blue shapes.
07 | Coloring the Ring
After deleting, you'll be left with 5 objects that make up the ring. It'll be easier to work with 1 object so press Ctrl/Cmd + A to select all the pieces. Hold down the Alt/Option key as you click on the Add command in the Pathfinder palette. All the shapes merge into one to which we can apply a groovy gradient fill.
Select the ring shape and press the > key to apply a gradient fill. Open the Gradient palette and adjust the settings and values to match those shown below.
Lock this layer and unlock and unhide the PLANET layer. We made the ring look pretty so we'll now concentrate our efforts on the planet.
08 | Coloring the Planet
Select the circle and press the > key to apply a gradient fill. Adjust the settings and values in the Gradient palette to those shown below.
With the lighter part of the gradient in the center of the circle things are looking too perfect. Select the Gradient Tool and drag across the circle to change the position of the gradient. Try to match the drag line in the image below to achieve similar results. Remember to select the circle before dragging.
