A bicycle is a human-powered, two-wheeled, steerable machine that converts human power into mobility and speed. It is the most efficient means yet devised for converting human energy into transport. Bicycles are used for transportation, recreation, and sport (see cycling). Globally there are twice as many bicycles as automobiles, and in cities like Copenhagen, they outnumber cars three to one. Many people use bicycles as their primary mode of transport, saving money, time, and reducing pollution and traffic congestion.

There are many different types of bicycles, but the first step in choosing a bike is understanding your needs. This may involve speaking with your doctor, who can recommend a bicycle that is most appropriate for you and your health concerns. For example, comfort bikes are designed for slow, leisurely rides such as Sunday trips to the local market or beach boardwalk journeys to take in the scenery. They are also great for riders with back problems.

Hybrid bicycles are a great choice for those who commute to work or school. They are great for getting around the city and can handle most road surfaces without needing to have a suspension system. Some hybrids come with disc brakes, which are more effective for higher speeds, but rim brakes still work well and are the standard for most urban bicycles.

For longer trips, a bike that is specially built for this purpose is called a touring bicycle. These are built for more comfort, and have spaces for carrying gear such as camping equipment or extra clothing. Some touring bikes have racks on their frames, while others have baskets or panniers attached to the front.

Cycling is also a great form of exercise, providing cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and endurance. It can also help with weight loss, reduces stress, and improves mental health. It is also a fun way to explore new places.

A bicycle has been a major part of warfare, serving as a scout vehicle and a means of transporting soldiers to combat areas. It was a main method of transportation during the Second Boer War, and in World War I, both sides employed bicycle troops for reconnaissance and transporting supplies. During the 1937 invasion of China, Japan employed 50,000 bicycle troops. In modern times, the military has used bicycles to train its soldiers, and many countries now have extensive bicycle paths for civilians and their armed forces.

While not required in all jurisdictions, it is recommended that cyclists wear helmets, carry a picture ID, and make a list of important phone numbers and radio stations to consult for weather or other road conditions while on a bike ride. Other items commonly carried by cyclists include a bike computer, a map or GPS device, spare inner tubes, bike lights, and high visibility clothing.

Go is a strategy game played between two players with black and white stones. The aim of the game is to capture the opponent’s stones, either by surrounding them or by blocking them in some way. The game was invented in China some 2500 years ago, and was introduced to Japan in the 6th century by Chinese immigrants. Since then it has become an integral part of the Japanese culture, and is one of the most widely played board games in the world.

The GOES (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) series of satellites, operated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service division, support weather forecasting and severe storm tracking in the United States. Scientific researchers and other agencies worldwide use GOES data to better understand land, atmosphere, ocean and climate dynamics.

Launched in 2016, GOES-R (or GOES-16 as it’s commonly referred to) is the first of four in the Lockheed Martin-built GOES-R series of geostationary satellites. The GOES-R satellites feature an Advanced Baseline Imager, which views Earth with three times more spectral channels than the current GOES imager, as well as a Solar Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensor that monitors solar flares and other space phenomena that can interfere with communications systems, high altitude aircraft and power grids on Earth.

GOES-R satellites also feature a Geostationary Lightning Mapper, which monitors lightning activity in the United States and Canada, and a Wind Vector Inverse Spacecraft and Atmospheric Radiation Sounder, which measure winds in the upper atmosphere and provide important information about the movement of air masses. GOES-R satellites also carry the Search and Rescue Satellite-Aided Tracking System, which has helped to locate thousands of people in need since its inception in 1974.

The GOES-R satellites are controlled from NOAA’s Satellite Operations Control Center in Suitland, Maryland. When significant events occur, the normal satellite schedule can be altered to provide specialized coverage requested by the National Weather Service. The GOES-R spacecrafts also enhance NOAA’s atmospheric science research and numerical weather prediction models.

The GOES-R satellites are designed, built and operated by NOAA’s Space Environment Monitoring program. The satellites are maintained by NASA’s Wallops Command and Data Acquisition Station in Virginia. The satellites communicate with Earth via the NOAA’s Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Ground System, which transmits the data to the GOES-R satellites. Those satellites then relay that information to the National Weather Service and other agencies in the United States and abroad, including the Meteorological Service of Canada. The GOES-R system is a key element of NOAA’s Weather Service, and helps to protect lives and property from the hazards of severe weather and wildfires.