What is a weather vane?
Q: What is a weather vane?
A: A weather vane is a device with a freely rotating pointer used to indicate the direction of the wind.
Q: How long have weather vanes been used for?
A: Weather vanes have been used for centuries.
Q: What were weather vanes critical tools for?
A: Weather vanes were critical tools for agriculture, travel, and shipping.
Q: What function do weather vanes serve today?
A: Weather vanes serve a largely decorative function today.
Q: What is the simplest form of a weather vane?
A: The simplest form of a weather vane is a horizontal arrow or other form freely rotating on a vertical rod.
Q: Who made the earliest known weather vane, and when was it made?
A: The earliest known weather vane was made by the astronomer Andronicus in 48 BC.
Q: Where does the word "vane" come from?
A: The word "vane" comes from the Old English fana banner, which is related to the Latin pannus (cloth or rag).
