Anemometer with the wind vane on the left. (Source: © Kruwt / stock.adobe.com)

A simple instrument that shows the direction of the wind. It is a horizontal rod with a plate at one end which rotates freely on a pin placed in the middle. The wind leans against the plate and turns the wind vane so that its straight part points in the direction of the blowing wind. The wind vane is an essential part of any weather station, but it is used, for example, to turn the wind turbine correctly into the wind.