Light passing near massive objects like stars or black holes experiences gravitational lensing, where its path is bent due to the object's intense gravitational field. This phenomenon can lead to observable effects such as distorted images of distant objects and the creation of multiple images. The discussion encourages the physics student to explore existing literature and share specific questions for deeper understanding. A recommended resource is a PF Insights article that introduces gravity's effects around massive objects. Understanding these concepts is crucial for comprehending the behavior of light in extreme gravitational environments.