Ice discs slingshot across a metal surface all on their own

This article discusses a recent experiment conducted at Virginia Tech (VA Tech) that was inspired by the mysterious "sailing stones" phenomenon observed in Death Valley's Racetrack Playa. The experiment involved creating ice discs and placing them on a metal surface. Surprisingly, the discs began to "slingshot" across the surface on their own, without any external force applied. This behavior was reminiscent of the "sailing stones" in Death Valley, which have been observed to move across the playa's surface, leaving behind distinctive trails. The researchers at VA Tech believe that the movement of the ice discs is driven by a combination of thermal and frictional forces. As the discs warm up, they melt slightly, creating a thin layer of water that reduces the friction between the disc and the metal surface, allowing the disc to move more easily. The experiment provides insights into the mechanisms behind the "sailing stones" phenomenon and could have potential applications in areas such as robotics and transportation.