Weathervanes have a long, fascinating history. They were likely the first instruments ever used to predict the weather, letting farmers known when a crop needed to be brought in from the field or warning of approaching storms. Today we’ll share with you some of our favorite weathervane facts.
Ancient Origins
Andronicus, a Greek astronomer, built the first weathervane (called a “wind vane”) in 48 B.C. Shaped like the Greek god Triton, this bronze weathervane sat atop the Tower of the Winds in Athens. By the 9th century, Vikings were mounting weathervanes to their ships and in Rome, the pope decreed that every church steeple be topped with a rooster.
How Do Weathervanes Work?
A weathervane is made up of the post, compass points, globes, and the figure. Only the figure moves, rotating on a vertical axis. Proper balance is crucial to a weathervane’s function: the figure must be weighted the same on both sides of the axis, but one side has more surface area than the other. The larger area creates more wind resistance, turning the figure so that the narrower end points into the wind.
This is because wind direction is determined by the direction from which it is traveling. For example, if the wind is coming from the west, you would feel the wind in your face if you were to face west. Therefore, wherever the narrow end of the figure points tells you the direction of the wind.
This is because wind direction is determined by the direction from which it is traveling. For example, if the wind is coming from the west, you would feel the wind in your face if you were to face west. Therefore, wherever the narrow end of the figure points tells you the direction of the wind.
How Are Weathervanes Used to Tell Weather?
Farmers use weathervanes to gather information about prevailing winds in order to know how to plant their crops and ensure proper pollination of their fields. They were also able to predict changes in weather by understanding the weather patterns of their region. For example, in the western United States, farmers can reliably predict that easterly winds will bring storms while west winds generally mean fair skies and southerly winds bring warmth and rain.
Certain principles apply regardless of your region. For example, a quick reversal of direction (such as from east to west) can signal a mass of lower pressure overhead that will bring storms. While most people prefer to pull up the weather with a tap on their phone, learning to predict weather patterns with a weathervane is fun and rewarding.
Certain principles apply regardless of your region. For example, a quick reversal of direction (such as from east to west) can signal a mass of lower pressure overhead that will bring storms. While most people prefer to pull up the weather with a tap on their phone, learning to predict weather patterns with a weathervane is fun and rewarding.
How Are Weathervanes Mounted?
Traditionally weathervanes are mounted on the tallest part of a building so that they have unhindered access to the wind. Weathervanes require a sturdy mounting bracket that is designed to prevent roof leaks. For a truly striking effect, weathervanes can also be mounted atop a cupola. If the roof isn’t an option, weathervanes can also be mounted to the wall of a shed or to specially designed garden poles and display stands.
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