The extinction of dinosaurs is linked to an asteroid impact (the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event). Space agencies worldwide monitor near-Earth objects to provide early warning.
Low probability, but extremely high impact. A sufficiently large impactor could cause global firestorms, tsunamis, and a prolonged "impact winter" from dust and aerosols blocking sunlight, leading to mass starvation.
Current planetary defense efforts include detection and potential deflection missions (e.g., NASA's DART mission).
