Sailing Stones

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Here’s what we've got for you today: Death Valley’s sailing stones.

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Death Valley’s sailing stones

In the heart of California's Mojave Desert lies a natural phenomenon that has baffled scientists and intrigued visitors for decades—the Death Valley sailing stones.

This enigmatic occurrence takes place on the vast expanse of Racetrack Playa, a dry lakebed nestled within the rugged landscapes of Death Valley National Park. Here, under the scorching sun, large rocks seemingly glide across the desert floor, leaving behind mysterious trails in their wake.

The sailing stones, also known as "moving rocks," range in size from a few pounds to several hundred pounds, and sit atop the flat, cracked clay surface of the playa. What makes them extraordinary is that they appear to travel considerable distances on their own, leaving long tracks behind them.

For decades, the origins of this remarkable phenomenon remained a mystery, inspiring all kinds of theories and speculations. It wasn't until fairly recently that scientists were able to unravel the secret behind the sailing stones.

Explore more:

• Why the Sailing Stones Move (video)

• How do Death Valley’s Sailing Stones Move Themselves (article)