Final answer:
The statement about distance measurements in astronomy being subject to error is true. While errors can be as high as 50%, improvements in methods have led to more accurate measurements, with galaxy distances now estimated with around 10% accuracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the distances we measure with the methods we have discussed are therefore only accurate to within a certain percentage of error can be considered true. Measurement uncertainty is an inherent part of any scientific observation, including astronomical distance measurements. These uncertainties can vary greatly, from as low as 1% to as much as 50% or more based on the object being measured and the methods used.
For instance, while measuring the distance to a star that is estimated to be 10,000 light-years away, a 25% margin of error could mean the actual distance could range between 7,500 and 12,500 light-years away. Such a percentage of error might not significantly impact astronomical observations on Earth, but it would have major implications for practical applications, such as space travel where fuel calculations are critical.
However, it's worth noting that with the advancement in measurement techniques, especially for galaxy distances, the accuracy has increased. The current consensus among astronomers is that the distances to galaxies can now be ascertained with about a 10% accuracy rate, which is a significant improvement.