Precise Radial Velocities of F, G, K Dwarfs

We have monitored changes in the radial velocities of 24 bright F, G and K dwarf stars (known spectroscopic binaries excluded) for the past six years at CFHT by imposing the absorption lines of HF gas in the spectra to act as wavelength fiducials. The average external error in the δ(velocities) which are based on some 16 stellar lines is 13 m/s corresponds to 0.6 micron in the spectrum or 0.04 of a diode spacing per line. Reductions are complete for 16 stars. There is no evidence for brown dwarf companions in the sample. Two previously unknown spectroscopic binaries were found, and seven stars show indications of significant, long-term, low-level velocity variations which could be interpreted as purturbations by companions of a few Jupiter masses with periods greater than 12 years except for γ Cep, which may have a period of 2.7 years, and ε Eri. Observing time has been guaranteed for at least two more years at CFHT.