M87 is the only non-blazar AGN to be discovered emitting VHE gamma rays, and so it represents a unique opportunity to study the phenomena of gamma ray emission from AGN. The rapid variability and unexpectedly hard TeV energy spectrum of M87 has recently been reported by the HESS collaboration. With VERITAS beginning initial science observations in early 2007, M87 is a prime target for observation and monitoring. In this paper we report on preliminary observations of M87 with VERITAS during Spring 2007.

VERITAS

Proceedings of the 30th International Cosmic Ray Conference; Rogelio Caballero, Juan Carlos D'Olivo, Gustavo Medina-Tanco, Lukas Nellen, Federico A. Sánchez, José F. Valdés-Galicia (eds.); Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico, 2008; Vol. 3 (OG part 2), pages 997-1000