Scientists using spy satellites to detect differences in vegetation growth in the Guatemalan jungle have now uncovered five sprawling sites filled with hidden Mayan architecture. The satellite images show the solar radiation being reflected off the wide variety of plants in the region, and as chemicals from the abandoned limestone ruins leech into the soil, the surrounding plant growth is altered. Maya civilization flourished in Central America and southern Mexico for 1,000 years before mysteriously collapsing during the 10th century CE. The rapid decline of the Maya civilization continues to puzzle experts, but the newly discovered sites may help researchers understand the factors that led to the collapse.