def loadCometsElements(comets_file):
    """ Loads the orbital elements of comets from the JPL comets element list. """

    comets_list = []

    with open(comets_file) as f:

        for k, line in enumerate(f):

            # Skip the first two lines
            if k < 2:
                continue


            comet_name = ' '.join(line[:44].strip().split())
            q = float(line[52:63])
            e = float(line[64:74])
            incl = float(line[75:84])
            peri = float(line[85:94])
            node = float(line[95:104])

            comets_list.append([comet_name, q, e, incl, peri, node])

    return comets_list