Ringshine

This is the third planet in a system of ten around a star much like Earth's. It is the third of the three inner rocky planets, and seven small to medium sized gas giants protect it from extrasolar threats. Unlike Earth it has a ring which casts a significant glow on the dark side of the planet. Many small moons have formed within the rings, but only the largest of them is visible from this distance. There is no native civilization on this planet, but a couple species are beginning to improve upon tools they have been using for thousands of years; showing promise for the development of true intelligence. A debate rages over whether the planet should be colonized or protected and the species allowed to try and win the evolutionary lottery.

Photoshop CS2
2600x2600
~4 hours