What are patched conics, conics mode and conics samples?

[Tazin]

I am using the precise node mod, to plan manouver nodes. It has all these conics options and i don't know what they mean . . . what is so important about cones?

Edited August 24, 2015 by Tazin

[mhoram]

Patched Conics is the method for representing gravity in KSP.

Each Sun/Planet/Mun has an area in which it is the primary source of gravity that affects the orbits if all objects within - these are called spheres of influence or SOI short.

When an object travels from one SOI to another SOI, the path it takes is patched together from the path in the first SOI and the path in the second SOI.

The paths have the form of "conic sections" which is the reason for the naming.

In precise node the conics mode states how the paths are displayed. This post explains the different modes.

The conic samples configures through how many SOIs the flightpath should be shown, when the flightpath traverses multiple SOIs.

[Tazin]

Great answer! thanks a lot!