How much does a moon's gravity effect the "free-fall acceleration" of an object on the planets surface?
The Planet
The Planet I'm speaking of has the same size as earth but is much lighter. That's because the "Upper Mantle" is about 1000 km wider and mostly consist out of organic material. Such a huge mass of carbon on one planet isn't very realistic but I need it to have an excuse for lower gravity on the surface.
Picture from Wikipedia
The Moon
I haven't put much thought in the moon neither. The Moon is supposed to be close and big enough to affect the habits of animals on the surface by lowering their "Free-fall acceleration". (big enough difference for them to orient themselves on it) As an example: In these phases some of them would be hunting because it needs them less energy.
The Questions
To the physicists among us:
If my approach is realistic, how big/heavy and close would the moon have to be? (The right equations and some pointers might do it too.)
If it isn't realistic, what would be the best explanation for periodical gravity reductions?
Sorry if I wasted your time. Have a great day!
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