The Andromeda Galaxy (M31) is the Milky Way’s largest neighbour. This LOFAR image reveals a very different view from visible light, with most of the radio emission linked to a supermassive black hole at the galaxy’s centre. A diffuse ring traces regions where stars are still forming. Beyond Andromeda, the hundreds of faint points are distant galaxies powered by their own supermassive black holes. Credit: LOFAR surveys collaboration.