Gravitational lensing is an phenomenon or effect on light from light source due to distributed mass between light source and observer. Before getting into this we need to understand how a lense does work. A lense bend the rays coming from the source and as our mind perceive the light coming in straight
line, object appears larger or smaller.
As an optical lense bends the light rays similarly gravity field due to mass (planet, stars, galaxies) bends the light coming from the light source.
Well all this phenomenon is very related to Einstein's theory of general relativity, in which gravity is seen as curvature in space time. This curvature is able to bend the light rays those passing near by that massive object.
Any light source for e.g. stars or galaxy can be seen due to gravitational lensing even if they are obstructed by massive planets or stars.
Gravitational lensing has been divided in three classes.
#Strong Lensing: when the distortion in light rays visible and effect can be observed easily.
# Weak Lensing: when distortion is in very minimal amount and can be detected by analysing large no. of sources in statistical way.
# Micro Lensing: When no distortion in shape
can be seen but the amount of light received from the background object change with the time.
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