Airbus engines question

[themoffster]

I was recently sat next to the engine an airbus a3-19, i believe it was.
On the underside of the wing there are the three 'cones' (they are cone shaped aerodynamic things). Trailing off the edge of these were little wires that to my eyes seemed to move from time to time - i figured to show the wind direction, but all three were pointing in different directions. The 'cones' are orange in this picture, but are rather hard to see: http://coppermine.luchtzak.be/albums/userpics/10069/normal_IMG_2923.jpg
What are these and why are so many of them along the wings of these planes (there were 5 on the wing 'tip' that is perpindicular to the wings).
Sorry for th enone too technical descriptions.

[longarm]

I they look like thin wires then they probably are the static wicks. They are put on the aircraft to discharge static electricity. Have a look at the link below to find out more details.
http://www.physlink.com/Education/AskExperts/ae568.cfm

[themoffster]

Ah yes, that'll be what they are (similar to the ones on cars).
Why do they move though?
Is it the wind moving them or do they move for a reason?

[Carnage Matey!]

Static wicks are fairly thin so they'll either be moving under their own weight as the aircraft bounces around or the wind will be blowing them.

[McJiz]

If you mean the canoe shaped orange things, they're Whitcomb pods. Hiding the flap screw jack is not their primary purpose. They're used in area ruling for transonic flight.
Whitcomb = exceptionally bright man!

[pakeha-boy]

They're used in area ruling for transonic flight

you will need to explain this one,:confused:

[McJiz]

This does it better than I can. Plus i'm off to bed lol

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/aerodynamics/q0240.shtml

[potkettleblack]

Or Coke Bottle rule as the CAA asked in my recent POF exam for the ATPL's.