Final answer:
Jonas knows he's near Elsewhere because he can feel it in the air, indicating his sensory perception gained through the ability to see beyond. This allows him to navigate towards Elsewhere.
Step-by-step explanation:
Jonas knows he's near Elsewhere because he can feel it in the air. In Lois Lowry's novel, The Giver, Jonas gains the ability to see beyond and experience a heightened perception of his surroundings. As he approaches Elsewhere, he senses a change in the landscape and climate, indicating his proximity to the destination. This sensory perception allows Jonas to navigate towards Elsewhere without the need for a sign or being explicitly told by the Giver.