When we observe objects in space, such as distant galaxies or stars, we are indeed observing light that was emitted from those objects in the past. The light takes time to travel through space and reach our telescopes, so the farther away an object is, the longer it takes for its light to reach us.
It's important to note that when we talk about "getting ahead of the light," we're not actually surpassing or moving faster than the speed of light. The speed of light in a vacuum is a fundamental constant of nature, and nothing can travel faster than it.
What we are doing is capturing the light that has already traveled across vast distances and reached us. This light carries information about the object that emitted it, including its properties at the time the light was emitted. By analyzing this light, astronomers can learn about the object's composition, temperature, distance, and other characteristics.
To give you an example, let's say a star is located 1,000 light-years away from Earth. When we observe that star, we are seeing the light it emitted 1,000 years ago. We are not actually reaching or surpassing the light; instead, we are observing it after it has completed its journey through space.
In summary, when we observe distant objects in space, we are essentially observing their past because the light we detect has traveled across vast distances over significant periods of time. By studying this light, astronomers can gain insights into the history and nature of the objects in our universe.