The WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey: 1000 redshifts and beyond

Here we outline design aspects and first results of the WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey that has recently been awarded long-term status on the AAT from the 2006B semester. The primary aim of the WiggleZ Dark Energy Survey is to use baryonic acoustic oscillations (BAOs) as a standard ruler to measure w(z), the parameterization of the equation of state of the Universe, and hence determine if dark energy is described by the cosmological constant model. Secondary aims include: tests of CDM paradigm through accurate measurements of halo model parameters; constraints on inflationary models; tight upper limits on neutrino masses; galaxy evolution studies such as star formation; rates as a function of z, luminosity, environment etc.