thanx for the comments

Phil, in animation..you can see the shadows.  In a still, you can't.  ...but when I actually get to the rock and planet animation part, I do think I'll experment with some negative lights to see if I cant exaggerate it a bit more (good call)

D_A_M, yep..thats residue from the background image (this is/was test render) that I didnt clean up before thefinal.  I have since removed those from the background because, unless thats a lazer coming thru the planet, ya shouldnt see them :)  (good eye)

:)
BT