This is my version of how to create a realistic planet. For other examples of planets I have made, check out [link]

Credits
[link] for texture usage.
Alyn [link] and Greg Martin [link] for tremendous influence
[link] for supplying the mountain dew and critiquing
sxc.hu for other texture usage
You for reading this

Please let me know if you use this! I really really REALLY want to see what kinds of amazing work you guys are making.

EDIT: I just updated the sphering step in the tutorial. I actually discovered that the original way didn't work as well as I believed, so I edited that.
On this note, this is a continuous work in progress, so if you have pointers or advice or critique, let me know and I may change it again. Thanks!

EDIT II: So I have just completed the Alternate Ending portion of this tutorial. It was thrown together quick so I apologize for the rough edges but I hope it helps. Let me know what you think!
NOTE: Since I added the Alternate Ending portion, it bumped the size above the cap, so I had to resize it smaller. Sorry for any inconvenience