But... how can we KNOW what is out there NOW?

Define "now"

I guess it depends on what "is" is.
However, since we seem to find objects receding at a greater acceleration the
farther back we look, we must necessarily believe that the acceleration is
decreasing since it is less nearer us in space and time. So perhaps the
universe is contracting but we will not see it until we get squashed....

Clear, Dark, Steady Skies!
(And considerate neighbors!!!)