Small scale angular clustering of the highest energy cosmic rays in the surface detector data of the Pierre Auger Cosmic Ray Observatory

We present preliminary results of small scale angular correlation studies using the first year of Pierre Auger Observatory surface detector data at energies greater than 10 EeV. Correlation among the cosmic ray events themselves (auto-correlation) and with BL Lacertae objects were analyzed using programs that were tested against previously obtained results. The significance of correlation was determined by scanning over both energy threshold and angular separation and using Monte Carlo simulations to find the statistical penalty factor. Our results with one year of Auger data show no significant auto-correlation nor correlation with BL Lac objects.