The pyramids of ancient Egypt are about 4,500 years old. They have stood the test of time, great monuments on the landscape. Dusty gold and majestic.

Now we can learn a little more about them thanks to cosmic rays. Archaeologists have begun to use new technology to better refine our understanding of pyramids' internal makeup.

The new Scans Pyramids project uses cosmic rays to build "inside" maps of the Egyptian attractions. The images show the internal crooked chamber of a 4,600-year-old pyramid known as the Bent Pyramid. It's a 345-foot monument 25 miles south of Cairo.

In ancient times, the pointed building was known as the Southern Shining Pyramid. It is believed to be one of Egypt's earliest designs. It looks odd, probably built in a time of transition, when engineering moved from stepped pyramids to smooth.