space panning

[g13nn]

hi, im trying to get an effect right so it looks realistic, but i need some thoughts and advice...
im trying to achieve a space navigation thing, so i want it to look like your moving through space. ive included a .fla and .swf, which has a planet that moves onto the screen, then the camera moves around the planet, the sun then comes into the view, so obviously there is shadows on the planet.

the points i need most help with is:
- getting the shadow looking realistic without hand animating it(keyframing)
- getting the starfield to look more like your "moving round" in space.

also things im trying to eventually achieve with it are:
-move forward insted of side ways and rotating (keeping in mind that the stars are millions of miles away!)

i may start making some space fighting animations with it aswell as navigation if i can get it looking good.

any help and suggestions would be great
many thanks in advance