Eclipse from Space / Moon Shadows

A tutorial which uses Video Copilot's free Orb plugin .

In this video, I first demonstrate how to link a moon to a planet using null objects, parenting and the Orb effect. Then I combine the Circle and Offset effects with a Linear expression to range map a shadow to follow a planet. This means I get to avoid ray-tracing, heavy render times and can adapt the eclipse size / moon shadow pretty quickly. I can also use this technique to cast words or even spaceship shadows on a planet.  After talking you through all of the above, I then show how to apply it to a Earth model you have already set up.

Dan Ebberts' toWorld:

L=thisComp.layer("Emitter Position");
L.toWorld([0,0,0])

Linear expression:

X = linear(thisComp.layer("Moon Rotation NULL").transform.yRotation,-90,3,1100,-100);
Y = linear(thisComp.layer("Moon Rotation NULL").transform.zRotation,-30,30,1000,0);
[X,Y]

Links:

Video Copilot's Orb plugin can be downloaded here: https://www.videocopilot.net/orb/

Eclipse preset: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2NsHJOR-to

Earth Storm: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3t4nkl7dajU