When we observe distant objects in space, we are essentially observing light that has traveled a great distance to reach us. The concept of "getting ahead of the light" may be a bit misleading, so let's clarify how observations of distant objects and the concept of the "past" work in astronomy.
Light travels at a finite speed, which is about 299,792 kilometers per second in a vacuum. When we look at objects in space, we are essentially seeing them as they were in the past because the light emitted by those objects takes time to reach us.
For example, let's consider a star that is located 100 light-years away from Earth. When we observe that star, we are seeing the light that left the star 100 years ago. The light traveled through space for 100 years before reaching our telescopes and detectors. So, in a sense, we are observing the star's past.
However, it's important to note that our understanding of the present state of distant objects in space is continually updated as more light reaches us. As time progresses, light emitted by those objects in the present will gradually reach us, allowing us to gain a more updated view of their current state. But due to the vast distances involved, we are typically observing objects as they were many years or even millions of years ago.
In summary, we don't actually "get ahead of the light." Instead, we observe light that has traveled a vast distance through space and time to reach us, allowing us to study the past states of distant objects in the universe.