wind vane

[′win ‚vān]

(engineering)

An instrument used to indicate wind direction, consisting basically of an asymmetrically shaped object mounted at its center of gravity about a vertical axis; the end which offers the greater resistance to the motion of air moves to the downwind position; the direction of the wind is determined by reference to an attached oriented compass rose.

wind vane

A device to indicate wind direction. A wind vane always points into the wind. It works on the principle of weathercocking. See weather vane.

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References in periodicals archive

Even an individual obstacle located close to the wind vane is effective enough to neutralize a long-term regional trend in a wind direction observed at the other stations.

Changes in surface wind directions in Estonia during 1966-2008 and their relationships with large-scale atmospheric circulation/muutused maapinnalahedaste tuulte suundades eestis perioodil 1966-2008 ja nende seosed atmosfaari suuremootmelise tsirkulatsiooniga

Richard is equally fond of cupola attachments: lightning rods, balls, wind vanes or arrows, directionals (fixed indicators of N-S-E-W directions) and pendants (ornamental glass pieces hung from lightning rod holders).

Cupolas: collecting from the roof up

The same computer also takes constant note of the current wind speed, from an anemometer mounted next to the wind vane. It adjusts the angle of attack of the rotor blades for efficiency and to keep the speed of rotation within safe limits.

Catch the wind: co-op's giant windmills work with Mother Nature to provide power

Step 4: Punch a small hole in the bottom middle of your wind vane.

Weekly lab

On the ceiling of the cupola is beautiful painted sky scene and golden wind vane.it is not the original dome as that had long since disappeared but the trust knew one existed as joists could still be seen and it was also included in James Corbridge's map of Newcastle dating back to 1723.

House with Dickens link is a turn-up for the books; In the latest addition of our occasional Hidden Tyneside series, LIZ LAMB visits a 17th Century house,which has also been an 18th Century inn and a meeting place for politicians

Each day, write down your observations from your wind vane and barometer too.

Challenge: keep a weather journal

(Lightweight cardboard can also be used instead of index cards.) They can either hold their wind vane, push it into the ground, or push it into an upside down styrofoam cup stuck down to any flat surface with modeling clay.

Wind Power

You can hold your wind vane or push the pencil into the ground Use a compass to check direction.

Weekly lab