For nearly a century, massive rocks weighing up to 700 pounds appeared to move across Californias Death Valley without any visible force behind them. Their long, winding trails on the remote Racetrack Playa puzzled visitors and scientists alike, leading to several theories about what could be moving the stones. Despite years of observation, no one managed to witness the process firsthand. That changed when a team of researchers set up equipment to monitor the area and unexpectedly arrived at the playa during a rare event that finally offered a clear look at what was happening.