The Spectra of Markarian 421

Markarian 421 is a relatively nearby active galaxy of the BL Lac type that at a redshift of z = 0.03 (eg. 122 Megaparsecs). Being one of the closest objects of its type and its active nature, it has been known to be a strong source of very high-energy gamma rays since 1992. The Very Energetic Radiation Imaging Telescope Array (VERITAS), which includes four 12m imaging Cherenkov telescopes and is located at the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory in southern Arizona, has been observing Markarian 421 since 2007. I will describe the VERITAS instrument, provide a brief overview of how the gamma-ray might be produced and how information about gamma-ray variability timescales and energy spectra can help us understand the active galaxy.