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New Delhi:  The first supermoon of the year 2018 on January 2 will be the biggest of the year.

According to NASA, a supermoon is a lunar phenomenon that occurs when a full moon is at its closest point to earth. This makes the moon appear up to 14 per cent larger and 30 per cent brighter than the micromoon.

The New Year celebration in Goa, however, comes with a touch of caution due to the Supermoon phenomenon on January 2.

The Goa tourism authorities have issued an advisory warning of unusual tidal activity and possible flooding of beaches on January 2 and January 31.

"January 2 and January 31, 2018 are full moon days where the moon would be the closest to the Earth in its orbit also known as Supermoon, due to which there is likelihood of a surge in the high tides and possibility of flooding of the beaches affecting the shacks, water sports and other beach activities," Goa Tourism Director Menino D'Souza's advisory said.

Mr D'Souza has also asked all businesses located along the coastline and in close proximity to the water to take safety measures in wake of the recurrence of the Supermoon. This will be the first supermoon of 2018.

"Shack owners, water sports operators and other activities on the beaches are hereby directed to be on high alert on January 1-2 and January 30 and shall take all precautionary measures for avoiding any dangers to life and property," the advisory added.

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