Gravitational lensing and gravitational microlensing are related but distinct phenomena, primarily differentiated by their scale and the mass of the lensing object. Gravitational lensing encompasses strong, weak, and microlensing categories, each employing different techniques and methodologies. Strong lensing typically involves massive objects like galaxies, while microlensing refers to the effect caused by smaller masses, such as stars. Despite their differences, all forms of lensing utilize the principle of gravitational attraction to bend light. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for studying cosmic structures and phenomena.
