Create your interpretation of what an alien planet environment would look like in your mind. Let your imagination run wild and consider some factors like weather, fauna, rock formation, gravity — the combinations and possibilities are endless. What will set your planet apart from the rest?
As for tools, you must explicitly use only/or in combination any of the following software packages: 3ds Max, Maya, Softimage . Use of any other software packages for 3D content creation will disqualify your entry. For modeling, there are no limitations to techniques (ie. polygon count, numbers of objects, etc.).
The final artwork that you provide must be a rendered image (no UI screenshot with textures). You may use any image-editing software to enhance the details or effects of your final render.