Zephyrometer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Zephyrometer |
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| Artist | Phil Price |
| Type | Kinetic art |
| Location | Wellington, New Zealand |
The Zephyrometer is a cool public sculpture located in Evans Bay, Wellington, New Zealand. It was created by an artist named Phil Price and put in place in 2003. This amazing artwork is a type of kinetic sculpture. This means it's art that moves!
The Zephyrometer has a strong concrete base. From this base, a tall needle-like structure reaches up 26 meters (that's about 85 feet!). This giant needle sways and moves with the wind. It shows both the direction the wind is blowing and how fast it's going. Wellington is famous for its strong winds, so people in New Zealand often call it "Windy Wellington."
This sculpture is very important to the city. It was the second of five big wind sculptures ordered by the Wellington Sculpture Trust. These sculptures now form a path called the Meridian Wind Sculpture Walk. The Zephyrometer is the biggest and most popular of them all. It has become a symbol of Wellington and a favorite spot for both locals and visitors from around the world.
What is the Zephyrometer?
The Zephyrometer is a unique piece of art that combines engineering with creativity. It's not just a statue; it's an active part of the landscape. Its movement helps people understand the power of the wind in Wellington.
How Does the Zephyrometer Work?
The sculpture's tall needle is designed to respond to even slight breezes. It moves gracefully, showing how the wind changes. This makes it a living weather vane, but much more artistic! The way it moves is a great example of how art can interact with nature.
Lightning Strike and Repair
On August 14, 2014, something dramatic happened to the Zephyrometer. During a big hail storm, the sculpture was hit by a powerful lightning strike. This strike damaged the very tip of the needle.
After the lightning hit, the tip of the sculpture was frayed and broken. City officials confirmed that the "needle" was "completely stuffed," meaning it was badly damaged. Luckily, the Zephyrometer was repaired and put back in perfect condition on May 13, 2015. A video of the actual lightning strike was even captured and shared online!
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Lightning damage on Zephyrometer
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Damage on tip
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Damage near gimbal
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Damage near gimbal (close-up)
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Lowest exit point (close-up)
