In the Northern Hemisphere, February is the middle of winter. According to NASA, this is why Native American tribes named this months full moon the Snow Moon. Historically, the shortest month of the year was also the coldest because of the heavy snowfall that occurred.Another name for this bright lunar display is the Hunger Moon. That name also makes historical sense when you think of how the snowiest month had to have impacted our hunter-gathering ancestors. Lets take a deeper look at the winter of it all, and when will be the best chance for optimal full moon viewing.When exactly is the middle of winter?Many people believe that Groundhog Day marks the middle of winter. Its a close approximation, but not always 100% accurate. Thats because, according to the Farmers Almanac, the middle of winter varies from year to year.Groundhog Day is traditionally observed on February 2; and this year, the following day was, in fact, the halfway point between the winter solstice and spring equinox.Both the coldest and shortest season, winter lasts 88.99 days. Its brevity is because at this point in the Earths orbit, its closest to the sun (known asperihelion). Its cold is caused by Earths axial tilt. In the Northern Hemisphere, from December to February, the Earth is tilted away from the sun, giving us less direct sunshine and much chillier days. How to see the full Snow MoonIn parts of the country, such as the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, snow storms may prevent one from catching the Snow Moon. Talk about irony.The rest of the country may also experience cloudy skies and potential rainstorms. But with any luck, according to EarthSky, the full moon will reach peak illumination Wednesday morning, February 12, at 8:53 a.m. ET. Plus, the celestial orb will also appear full Thursday and Friday.