Hi, I haven't read anywhere on how to create a simple starfield to use as a backdrop for planets/space. Can anyone shed some light on this. Thanks.

First off I hope this helps to answer your question if not .......oooops sorry. In the gallery section dcort gives this link for planetary texture maps http://maps.jpl.nasa.gov/ which I thought was pretty useful. There are three starmaps on this site. Edit scene settings and use the starfield for the Background or Backdrop depending on what effect you are trying to achieve. I was going to try and upload a quick pick but I don't see that option (can we no longer upload pictures). If you want Carrara to create the starfield I don't know if it will or not. I will upload a picture to the gallery so you can see an example. Thanks Stacey

There are programs that will generate a Starfield for you (with colored stars, halos, nebulae, etc). If you're using a Mac you can find one at zdnet mac downloads. I don't know about PC's -- but I think there's a website that sells one for them. -Jim Moore

Thanks people, I really appreciate the quick feedback.

http://members.xoom.com/echomag/ -this is one is called "Starbits"- it's pretty decent and it's free. http://home.earthlink.net/~jessd/ this is one is called Universe and it's better and ...shareware. Hope this helps! Daf