  We propose and evaluate the feasibility of a new strategy to search for
planets via microlensing observations. This new strategy is designed to detect
planets in "wide" orbits, i.e., with orbital separation, a, greater than ~1.5
R_E. Planets in wide orbits may provide the dominant channel for the discovery
of planets via microlensing, particularly low-mass (e.g., Earth-mass) planets.
Because the ongoing microlensing observations and extensions of them should be
able to discover planets in wide orbits, we provide a foundation for the search
through detailed calculations and simulations that quantify the expected
results and compare the relative benefits of various search strategies. If
planetary systems similar to our own or to some of the known extra-solar
systems are common, then the predicted detection rates of wide-orbit events are
high, generally in the range 2-10% of the present detection rate for apparently
single events by stars. The expected high rates should allow the microlensing
observing teams to either place significant limits on the presence of planetary
systems in the Galactic Bulge, or begin to probe the population in detail
within the next few years. We also address the issues of (1) whether planets
discovered via microlensing are likely to harbor life, (2) the feasibility of
follow-up observations to learn more about planet microlenses, and (3) the
contamination due to stellar populations of any microlensing signal due to
low-mass MACHOs.
