SuperDARN and IMAGE WIC observations during intervals of steady magnetospheric convection

If steady magnetospheric convection (SMC) occurs when the magnetosphere is in a relatively steady state of flux transfer, i.e., dayside and nightside reconnection i s balanced, then signatures of magnetic reconnection that are commen to the dayside magnetosphere may be observable on the nightside also. Magnetic reconnection on the dayside produces relatively clear data signatures, such as reconne ction-associated field-aligned currents (FACs), the recon nection electric field and associated convection, and energy-dispe rsion of precipitating ions. The processes involved produce these clear signatures, because the dayside magnetosphere is less distorted and there exists more direct connection to the solar wind driver than the nightside magnetosphere. The more global scale convection and current patterns, such as the Region 1 and 2 FACs, develop when the dayside magnetosphere is controlled by a moderately steady solar wind driver for a longer period. We present examples of energy-dispersed ions in the substorm sector during an interval of SMC, and we also discuss inferred FAC patterns based on the combined auroral images and convection patterns.