Previous observations have allowed the scale size of flux transfer events (FTEs) to be determined both normal to the magnetopause and in the direction of motion of the FTE, but a key difference between some different models of FTE structure is their azimuthal scale size. Previous ground-based observations of the ionospheric signatures of FTEs indicated that magnetic reconnection can occur coherently over large extents of the magnetopause, but in situ determination of the azimuthal scale size of FTEs has not been possible until recent Cluster magnetopause crossing seasons when the separation of the spacecraft was ∼10, 000 km. In this paper, we present Cluster observations of flux transfer events from the 27th March 2007, along with observations of the conjugate ionospheric signatures. We highlight two magnetospheric FTEs which were consistent with long X-line FTE models, but note also several FTEs with considerably smaller azimuthal scale.

The Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) has been operating as an international co-operative organization for over 10 years. The network has now grown so that the fields of view of its 18 radars cover the majority of the northern and southern hemisphere polar ionospheres. SuperDARN has been successful in addressing a wide range of scientific questions concerning processes in the magnetosphere, ionosphere, thermosphere, and mesosphere, as well as general plasma physics questions. We commence this paper with a historical introduction to SuperDARN. Following this, we review the science performed by SuperDARN over the last 10 years covering the areas of ionospheric convection, field-aligned currents, magnetic reconnection, substorms, MHD waves, the neutral atmosphere, and E-region ionospheric irregularities. In addition, we provide an up-to-date description of the current network, as well as the analysis techniques available for use with the data from the radars. We conclude the paper with a discussion of the future of SuperDARN, its expansion, and new science opportunities.