An undated handout image provided by Nasa, released on September 9, 2009, taken by the refurbished Hubble Space Telescope, showing Barred Spiral Galaxy NGC 6217 (Image © AP Photo/NASA)

Nasa has released stunning new images captured by the recently refurbished Hubble Space Telescope.

The pictures include a celestial object that looks like a delicate butterfly, a colourful collection of galactic spirals, and stars bursting to life in the chaotic Carina Nebula.

Nasa released the latest set of photos on Wednesday September 9, 2009. The Hubble Telescope was renovated in May 2009 to allow it to continue in operation until 2014.

Browse through the spectacular images in the gallery below, together with some of the best pictures taken by the Hubble Telescope from recent years.