NEW YORK (PIX11) – You might feel an urge to howl at the moon this week, but you wouldn’t be alone.

The wolf moon is set to light up the sky on Thursday. It will be the first full moon of the year.

The wolf moon is when the moon, Earth and sun are aligned in space with Earth in the middle, making the moon appear bright and full.

It gets its name from wolves who tend to howl more at night during the winter months.

Stargazers will also notice the moon is bright and full Wednesday and Friday.