Simultaneous imaging of the reconnection spot in the opposite hemispheres during northward IMF N. Ostgaard, S.B. Mende, H.U. Frey, J.B. Sigwarth Cusp aurora associated with high latitude lobe reconnection was imaged simultaneously by IMAGE and Polar in the opposite hemispheres for a short time interval on Sept 18, 2000. These very rare images taken during strongly northward IMF and high solar wind pressure give a unique opportunity to examine the IMF and dipole tilt control of the cusp aurora and theta aurora. As suggested by theory and observations from one hemisphere, the longitudinal location of the cusp aurora is controlled by the IMF By component, whereas the > 5 degree poleward shift of the southern cusp aurora is attributed to the effects of the dipole tilt angle. The appearance of a nonconjugate theta aurora can be explained by the more efficient reconnection process in the southern hemisphere due to IMF Bx > 0. Imaging of auroral signatures of magnetic reconnection also demonstrates the potential to examine differences in reconnection rate in the opposite hemispheres. _______________ Accepted for Publication in Geophysical Research Letters, 2005