The outcome of your technique is simply beautiful
But the tutorial isnt well explained. I have been trying to do it with all kinds of images for the past week.
For example, what image do you use for Self Illumination? In your planets, the dark side has patterns, like cities.
im pretty sure that this can't be done with any random image.
Also the surface looks rugged (at least for me) depending on what maps i use
and the clouds dont come out right. im still unsure if any image will get the job done.
this is what i got. as you can see, nowhere near as good as your planets.
anyways, thanks for the tut, at least someone is trying to teach how to make a planet. this is the only tutorial with a good outcome if done right.