How can I determine if my telescope mirror is parabolic?

Question

This week I purchased the “Skywatcher Explorer 130P Newtonian Reflector Telescope”, specifically as it has the parabolic mirror. I do not have the outer packaging for sundry reasons. Therefore, after setting up the telescope, how can I check to see whether my telescope is actually a version with the parabolic mirror or the standard mirror. The manuals that came with it do not tell you this, nor I am versed in spotting one from the other just by looking at it.Are there any tests I can do, or is there a ‘quick check’ to ascertain the parabolic mirror is on the telescope?

Answer 1

The mirror has to be curve for a reflector to work. As far as testing it, there is a chance it could scratch the mirror, but taking the mirror out and laying it on a level surface and then placing a small, plastic ball on it would result in the ball staying in place (or wandering to a random location) if it is flat or to the center if parabolic.