What does "* * *" on the top or bottom of a page in a novel mean?

Question: What does "* * *" on the top or bottom of a page in a novel mean!?

because i have no idea!.

i understand that its a change of scene, but why isn't it used all the time!? is there some special difference!?

THANK YOU!!!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

I think it is when there is a pass of time!. Like, next week, Joe Shome could be doing something but he didn't do anything interesting to keep the paragraphs going!. Basically, a pass of time!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

It is a chapter break!. No doubt this story has breaks between sections when a new section begins--perhaps redirected to another character, another moment or a different location, et cetera!. The asteriks at the top and the bottom of the pages indicate, merely, that this is happening again, but it is on the new page and there was not enough room to start the next section with the required space!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I think it's also used to switch character points of view!. I don't know why it isn't used all the time!. I think it has to do with author and publisher preferences!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I'm pretty sure it is used to change setting or time in a novel!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

maybe it means mean while what happened!.
i'm not 100% sure btwWww@QuestionHome@Com

I was just kidding!.

I think it is the ending of a day!.Www@QuestionHome@Com