Ping-pong size floating ball observed through window in San Fernando Valley, 1962

I believe I was nine years old when the following event occurred, which would make it 1962.  I was a good sleeper, but I awoke in the middle of the night one night and decided to turn on my light and read for a while.  It was probably about 2:00 am.  The entire house (indeed, the entire neighborhood) was dark except for my little lamp which was mounted on the wall above my headboard.  I don't know what made me turn my head toward the window, but when I did, I saw an object the size and shape of a ping-pong ball floating slowly toward me, horizontal to the ground.  It was as if it were trying to observe me.  Of course I was scared to death.  I quickly turned out my light, then after a few minutes woke my foster brother who made fun of me for the rest of the time he was with my family.  The only explanations I have been able to rationalize have been 1) a moth and 2) a headlight, but only 3) a "probe" of some sort ultimately makes any sense.
Witness indicates that the date of the sighting is approximate.  PD