Animal figures and long straight lines are etched across an area 19 by 44 miles (30 by 70 kilometers) on the Nasca plain between the Andes and the Pacific Coast in southern Peru. Some of the lines date from about 400 BC.

The works were made by moving dark surface stones to expose pale sand. But no one knows their purpose. They might have been pathways for religious processions and ceremonies, part of an astronomical observatory or a guide to underground water resources. The lines and figures are only noticeable from the air or from space.

Experts say the ancient desert markings are at risk from human encroachment as well as flood events feared to be increasing in frequency. The site was designated World Heritage Site in 1994.

The new image from space (top) does not reveal the animal figures, but the straight lines are faintly visible. Clearest of the straight markings is actually the Pan-American Highway, built in the 1930s right through the region, before anyone knew the drawings were there.

The highway is seen in the satellite image as a dark marking starting at the irrigated fields beside the Ingenio River, running from near the image top to the bottom right hand corner. Associated dirt track roads are also visible amidst the Nasca lines. Channels carved by flash floods are also clearly visible.

The image was taken in September and released last week. Another photograph from much lower (below) reveals an animal in the Nasca mix.

Credits: ESA/Proba (top); Associated Press/John Moore (above)