  VERITAS is a new, major ground-based gamma-ray observatory designed to
significantly advance our understanding of extreme astrophysical processes in
the universe. The observatory comprises seven large-aperture (12m diameter)
Cherenkov telescopes, each equipped with an imaging camera. The first phase of
VERITAS (consisting of four telescopes) is currently under construction. Here
we outline the key features of VERITAS and provide an update on its status.
